Deer hunting on the ground can be one of the most exciting, and challenging ways to hunt. And if you've ever tried this style of hunting, you've probably made your fair share of mistakes.

Of course, when hunting from the ground, you're most likely going to equip yourself with some sort of ground blind. However, that doesn't necessarily eliminate all of your problems.

Most hunters assume that by incorporating a deer blind, you automatically guarantee yourself success. I wouldn't bet on that.

There's quite a few common mistakes made while hunting from a ground blind, and we're going to review those now!

Popular Ground Blind Mistakes

Check out the five most popular ground blind mistakes I see hunters make today.

1. Not Being Downwind

The biggest mistake I see hunters make when utilizing a ground blind is not hunting downwind. And honestly, I don't understand it.

When hunting from a treestand, you're on a different level of the deer. Meaning it's hard to see, hear, and smell you when you're sitting up in the air.

We all know that a deer's smell is its most deadly sense, and you being on the ground gives them an even better opportunity to smell you.

If you're only able to do one thing when hunting from a ground blind, make sure that one thing is hunting downwind! You'll do so much better remembering this.

Downwind Ground Blind Hunting

2. Not Adding Extra Coverage

Many of today's top hunting blinds are wrapped in the best camouflage available for hunters. However, I think it's important to not stop there.

Camouflaging your hunting blind isn't just about matching the exterior pattern to your surroundings. It's about breaking up the shape of the blind too!

Remember to utilize leaves, brush, and available downed trees to surround your blind - especially in the direction of your most opportunistic shot pathways. 

The best part about this is the fact that many blinds have available ties on the outside to securely attach this coverage to.

3. Only Hunting Trails And Pathways

Believe me, I love hunting trails and pathways, but after years of missed opportunities it's clear that you need to improve your chances by switching to something a little more consistent.

When it comes to deer movements, trails can be extremely volatile - changing from season to season and situation to situation. 

If you're going to choose a location for your ground blind, I would recommend setting up by a watering hole, a feeding area, or even one that attracts deer with the use of a decoy.

These locations prove to be more consistent, and provide you with better chances for an easy, static shot.

4. Not Clearing Out Ground Brush

Once you're inside your blind, there's a false sense of complete seclusion from any outside surroundings. And to a degree, it's somewhat correct.

Hunters should realize that once they step in their ground blind, they're still at the mercy of the deer's senses. And one of those senses is hearing!

To minimize deer from hearing your movement, I'd recommend clearing the brush within your blind. Of course, you're not going to do a lot of movement, but a simple turn can snap a twig and cause a deer to go running.

5. Too Much Movement

Depending on the blind you've chosen, you might have quite a lot of open windows or even an open roof.

Similar to the comments above, with a hunter on the ground, they are in the direct line of a deer's sight. If there's any available opportunity to see inside your blind and you make a movement, I'm sure a deer is going to spot you.

I'd recommend getting a full coverage blind and equip it with mesh shooting windows. This helps no matter the time of day or time of year, and allows you to shift your position with minimal interference. 

Deer Blind Setup Video


Also, we have a great blog about where to place a deer blind too!