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While most Ontario deer hunters are quite familiar with tree stands, far fewer have embraced the concept of the ground blind. Tree stands have the advantage of getting the hunter off the ground. There are many advantages to a bird's-eye view of the deer's world. Yet in several situations hunters routinely face in this province, ground blinds are the best option. Ground blinds are warmer than a tree stand, and a whole lot easier to get in and out of. They are also, arguably, a safer choice than a tree stand. You don't hear much about people falling out of ground blinds.
Ground blinds are useful in a variety of deer hunting circumstances. In open country, such as fields, swamps and cut-over areas, they remove the chance of hunter silhouette and obscure movement. Oddly enough, deer seem to ignore unusual blocky or round shapes that miraculously appear in the bush. The whitetail deer reaction to the human outline is far less nonchalant. Some ground blinds also use scent absorbing materials that make it difficult for deer to wind the hunter. In windy or rainy conditions a covered ground blind allows you to stay put comfortably and for a longer period of time.
Ground blinds also allow you to use a rest and adjust yourself for a shot without being detected, and you can use a comfortable seat while waiting for a deer to approach. This comfort is much appreciated, especially if you've spent any time all sitting on stumps, rocks, or trees stand seats the size of a pizza slice. If you are on the deer grounds with an apprentice hunter who may have trouble keeping still -- ground blinds are especially good.
There are a wide variety of ground blinds deer hunters can use in Ontario, from purely natural designs to elaborate commercial pop ups. All have a place in the Ontario deer hunter's bag of tricks. A natural ground blind can be constructed of just a few materials found in the forest. The best natural ground blinds are built around large elements like a boulder, tree, shrub or slash pile. The ground blind should cover your movement, but still allow a free shot with a minimum of noise. It is critical that you have a couple of good shooting lanes when you pick your site. These shooting lanes should include some in directions you might not consider the key spots. This is true whether you are rifle or bow hunting with a ground blind. Deer have a habit of sneaking in where you least expect.
