If you buy a new toy or car, you want to keep it looking as clean and sharp as possible for as long as you can, right? Not so with your new hunting blind. It may seem crazy to throw mud on your brand new blind, but when it comes to hunting, the more natural something looks and smells, the better.

No matter how shine-proof your new blind is, it never hurts to give it a more natural, dull appearance. The best way to do that is to use some of nature’s camouflage: mud.

Here’s How:

1. Set up your new blind now, if you haven’t already. It’s always good to get in a little practice before the actual hunt.
2. Ok, now it’s time to get down and dirty. Grab a bucket and fill it with mud (or make your own mud paste with dirt and water…you get the idea).
3. Dip an old paintbrush in your mud bucket and start mudding your new blind.
4. Once you get a good overall coat, let the mud dry completely. This could take anywhere from several hours to a full day.
5. Once it’s dry, brush off excess dirt from your blind. The mud will permeate the fibers in your blind and give it a dull finish that won’t spook game. The mud bath will also help to eliminate the “new” smell on your blind.

More Tips

Another trick to break in a new blind is to let it sit out in your backyard for a few days before the hunt to let it air out and take on the natural scent of the great outdoors. The shine will also begin to dull naturally if you let your blind sit outside long enough.