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How do I Build a Duck Blind?

L. Hepfer
L. Hepfer

A blind is a form of shelter built by hunters to conceal themselves from the elements while hunting. It is also used to protect the hunter from being seen by animals, making it easier to get a good shot when hunting. Hunting blinds can be made with natural materials straight from the woods or with synthetic material bought in a store. Blinds can also be purchased from hunting catalogs.

A duck blind is primarily used to keep the hunter out of sight. Ducks have very good eyesight and can pick up on anything unnatural looking or out of the ordinary. If they detect anything unnatural, they will leave the area immediately.

A duck blind is used to lure ducks into a shooting range.
A duck blind is used to lure ducks into a shooting range.

A duck blind can be as simple as a hunter dressed in camouflage laying in very tall grass by a duck pond. Sometimes hunters will paint their shotguns in a camouflage pattern and lie on their backs in the tall grass while using a duck call to lure the duck in within shooting range. This particular way of hunting does not protect the hunter from the weather.

A duck blind can be as simple as a hunter in camouflage scoping out a duck pond.
A duck blind can be as simple as a hunter in camouflage scoping out a duck pond.

There are many different materials that can be used to make a duck blind. Various materials include ply board, twigs, logs, plastic, tin or sheets of metal. The sturdier the blind is the longer it will last. Most of the duck blind can be assembled at home and taken in larger pieces to the hunting spot where it can be finished.

The height of the hunter and how many people will be hunting from the duck blind are two things that should be taken into consideration when building the blind. It should be large enough to move around in quietly and comfortably. It should also be sturdy enough to protect against the wind, rain and other elements.

Sheet metal might be used to make a sturdier duck blind.
Sheet metal might be used to make a sturdier duck blind.

After figuring out the size of the duck blind that is needed, a sturdy frame needs to be built. Once the frame has been assembled, then sheets of plywood or metal can be screwed onto the frame to create the walls and roof. Openings need to be left in the sides of the blind for a hunter to be able to see and shoot the duck.

A hinged flap can be created to cover the openings or they may be left open with a piece of cloth hung over the top. Once the walls and roof have been added to the frame and the openings have been covered, the blind can be painted with natural colors that blend in with its surroundings. A camouflage netting can be purchased and placed over top of the blind to conceal it further. Natural materials such as tall grass and weeds can be tied to the outside walls to make it look more natural.

Putting a floor in the duck blind is up to the hunter and the level of comfort that he wishes to achieve. Once the blind is in place, more things can be added for convenience. If a hunter is going to spend all day in a duck blind, he can add as many items as he wishes or keep it as primitive as he wants so he may truly enjoy his hunting experience.

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    • A duck blind is used to lure ducks into a shooting range.
      By: fotomaster
      A duck blind is used to lure ducks into a shooting range.
    • A duck blind can be as simple as a hunter in camouflage scoping out a duck pond.
      By: nastia1983
      A duck blind can be as simple as a hunter in camouflage scoping out a duck pond.
    • Sheet metal might be used to make a sturdier duck blind.
      By: Kybele
      Sheet metal might be used to make a sturdier duck blind.