Set up your blind out in the field as early as possible before you plan to start hunting. This gives the animals a chance to get used to the blind. By the time you show up on the morning of the hunt, the animals won’t even give your ground blind a second glance.

Note: Use your discretion on this one, as most portable blinds cannot withstand long-term exposure to strong winds and severe weather. Check the forecast before setting up your blind, and pack it out if unforeseen storms move in to the area. Damage from storms, wind, or long-term exposure is generally not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.

Place the blind off to the side, where you can get a broadside shot as the deer walk past and where they won’t be looking directly into the blind as they’re coming down the trail.

Brush the ground blind in with dead branches, leaves, and brush. This breaks up the silhouette of the blind and makes it blend in more naturally with the surroundings.

In a ground blind with 360 viewing, make sure you have a dark background behind you at all times to “swallow” your silhouette. If you open the front and back window, the deer can spot your silhouette with the light coming in from behind you. Keeping three windows open is okay. Just make sure you have a dark backdrop, or you might get busted.

Break in your ground blind by mudding it and spraying it down with scent blocker. Leaving your blind outside for a few days also helps air out any new-smelling odors or anything that smells unnatural in the outdoors. Mudding it down takes out the shine and naturalizes the camo pattern.