Setting up blinds in the field

Ready to duck hunt with your new layout blind? Here are some tips for using your layout blind in the field.

Get It Dirty

This is one time where you DON’T want to keep your new toy shiny and clean. The first thing you should do after taking your layout blind out of the box is to coat it with a fresh layer of mud.

Mud is one of nature’s best camouflage tricks. Mudding up your blind covers up any shine that the fabric gives off, especially when the sun hits it.

Remember making mud pies as a kid? Then you know how to mud your blind. Just mix up a little mud pie, use a paint brush or a broom (with your wife’s permission) to spread it over the layout blind, and let it dry in the sun.

Shake off the excess mud when it’s dried. All you need is a thin layer to coat the fabric.

Blend It In

Most layout blinds come with stubble straps for extra camouflage. When you set up your blind in the field, take note of what’s around it. Is the vegetation sparse? Thick? Tall? Short?

Do what it takes to make your blind disappear into the field. In most cases, less is more. You don’t want to end up looking like a haystack in the middle of a barren field.

Use the stubble straps to add vegetation, but only use enough to match the general pattern of the field. In fact, if the field is mostly dirt, your layout blind might blend in better without any extra vegetation.

"For whatever reason, this all brown layout blind tends to blend in equally well in all different types of ground cover that I have encountered." - Christopher B.

The plain brown canvas on the original KillZone Layout Blind might not be as flashy as the new camo patterns now available on the market, but its universal color blends in with a wide variety of settings. So whether you’re hiding in corn stubble in the fall or near marshy reeds in the spring, you can easily brush in the blind to match your surroundings.

See what Christopher Bowling, a waterfowl hunter from Kansas, has to say about his KillZone layout blind:

From Christopher Bowling:

“I have owned this blind for two years now and mainly use it for goose hunting in Kansas. I have used it approximately 5-10 times per year, and I consider myself a novice hunter.

“With that being said, this layout blind has worked extremely well for me thus far. I have used it in the extreme cold (-20 below) to the moderate heat (60 above) and in just about every type of weather conditions. I have had zero problems with it thus far.

“I usually hunt with slightly more serious hunters who I would consider above novice level but not professionals. All of my friends that I hunt with have $300-400 layout blinds purchased at Cabelas or Bass Pro Shop. All of them tend to like my blind better than theirs, especially for the price.

“My biggest concern with the initial purchase of the blind was the lack of camo pattern on the blind. However, it has never been an issue. In fact, the blind tends to blend in better than camo layout blinds.

“I have found that it is usually very hard to match the different types of camo patterns on normal layout blinds to the exact environment I hunt in. Since we rarely hunt in the exact same spot, we have a variety of different brush around us.

“For whatever reason, this all brown layout blind tends to blend in equally well in all different types of ground cover that I have encountered. I always mix the local vegetation in with the blind and normally disappear very quickly or better than my friends.

“It is well constructed and has also kept me dry in very wet / muddy conditions. My only complaint is the lack of back support in the design during very long hours of hunting. However, I don’t know of anyone in any blind thus far who doesn’t have the same problem.

“Carries well when folded up and is a very good buy for someone trying to save money.

“I would definitely purchase another one in the future. Hope this helped.”

We hope so, too! Check out the KillZone layout blinds for more information.

Duck hunting is a family tradition for Tom McCullough, one of the owners behind KillZone Hunting. In November 2011, his family met up in South Dakota for a duck hunt, using a mix of blinds, including some of our KillZone Lay ‘n Slay waterfowl blinds. The khaki material is perfect for hunting in a cornfield. See their duck hunting success in the slideshow below!

Practice using your layout blind before the hunt.

Shooting from a layout blind requires practice. Even the best shooters from a standing or sitting position can struggle with consistency when it comes to shooting from a layout blind.

Shooting from a reclining position in a confined space, with your eyes on the sky rather than the horizon, is a challenge for first-time layout blind users. Getting a decent shot now requires sitting up and stabilizing your body and your gun before you shoot. Here are a few tips for learning to shoot consistently in a layout blind.

• Practice before the hunt. Since even the most experienced shooters can’t expect dead-on shots their first time in a layout blind, it helps to simulate the experience beforehand.
• Be patient. There’s no need to take a long shot. Wait until the birds get within a comfortable range. Once they begin their final descent, the birds are committed to land.
• Get up slowly. You have more time than you think. Use your elbows and your abs to help you sit up. Most layout blind doors are spring-loaded and open automatically at the touch of your head or shoulders, which lets you keep your hands on the gun.
• Stabilize yourself and your gun before shooting. Don’t try to shoot while sitting up. Your shots will be a lot more accurate if you take an extra second or two to steady your aim first.

Hunting in a stubble field during late season is a challenge,
but a rewarding one if you can figure out what works.
Don’t hesitate to try new techniques.

Hunting geese in an open field has its challenges, even in the early season. Add in the gun-shy geese towards the latter part of the season, and it’s even more challenging. Here are a few tips on concealing yourself in an open field and outwitting late season birds.

Hunting Techniques in a Layout Blind

Instead of setting up your layout blind in the middle of a large field, try setting up near the fence line at the edges of the field. For one, the birds will be less wary of landing there, since most hunters set up in the middle of the field. Besides that, the stubble along the fence line gives you natural cover that can be difficult to find in the middle of the field.

Better concealment means that birds will be less likely to spot you, especially during the late season when birds are wary of anything that smacks of danger, including any hint of what may resemble a blind or pit.

Stalking Geese in an Open Field

Another trick for hunting late season geese is to stalk them. A ghillie suit—used by snipers in the military—lets you go to the birds when they won’t come to you. A sniper suit is free of strands on the front side to allow you to crawl low to the ground without catching on brush and stubble. With the camouflage strands on the back side of the suit and on the head covering, you can move around while staying completely concealed at all times.

If you’re hunting in a big group, split the group into two teams. One group hides in thick cover downwind of the geese. The other group stalks the geese until they are close enough to open fire. When the geese take off, they will head straight for the second group of hunters, who can pick off another round of geese.

Scott Baker from Delta Duck Hunters shooting from a KillZone layout blind.

If you’ve ever been on a guided duck hunt with Trophys Unlimited or Delta Duck Hunters, most likely you’ve used one of our blinds. Jay Cranford, a professional hunting guide and owner of Trophys Unlimited and Delta Duck Hunters, gears up for his hunting expeditions with KillZone layout blinds.

For one, these blinds are comfortable for long waits, with extra-thick bottom padding and a thickly padded seat and headrest. They are quick to set up and durable enough to withstand heavy use in the field (which is especially important for a guide service). Plus, they offer the same features and quality of the big name brands, but at a much lower price.

Here’s what Jay had to say about our layout blinds:

“The KillZone layout blinds are without a doubt the best blinds for the money on the market today! One minute setup right out of the box and tough enough to handle the abuse that mother nature and hunters dish out!”

Jay Cranford
www.TrophysUnlimited.com
www.DeltaDuckHunters.com

Hunting from a layout blind gives you an advantage.

Even the best shooter can flub it up the first time shooting from a layout blind. It takes some getting used to, but with practice and a few tips, you’ll be shooting like a pro in no time.

1. Be patient.

Wait until the geese or ducks are in close range before you shoot, and make sure the birds are committed to landing before you pop out of the layout blind. Shooting from a close range will increase your chances of bagging a few birds.

2. Raise yourself up.

To sit up, use your elbows to get yourself started. Then use your stomach muscles to raise yourself up. Don’t worry about pushing open the spring-loaded doors on a full-frame layout blind. As you sit up, your shoulders will do the trick. For blinds with a flip top, use your left hand to open the lid if you are right handed, or use your right hand if you are left handed. Reach for the gun with your dominant hand.

3. Take your time.

Don’t rush your shots. If you panic, you’ll miss. Don’t shoot until you are fully up and stable. Get a good aim and relax. Then pull the trigger.

4. Focus on your form.

Swing your entire upper body as you move the gun. Don’t just use your arms to swing the gun. It’s harder to do from a sitting position than it is from a standing position, but with practice it will become natural.

5. Practice.

Practice shooting from a layout blind, or at least practice shooting from a sitting position. Although it might feel unnatural at first to shoot from a sitting position on the ground, the more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel and the more accurate your shots will be.

The lower the profile, the easier it will be to hide your layout blind.

What’s more important to you in a layout blind: comfort or concealment? Ideally, you want the best of both worlds, but you might need to compromise on one or the other in order to find the best waterfowl blind for your needs.

For most waterfowl hunters, concealment and portability are on top of the list of features to look for in a layout blind.

Concealment

The profile of the blind should be low enough to easily hide in whatever type of cover you generally hunt. If you hunt in tall marsh growth or other high cover, a larger, higher profile blind should not be a problem to hide. If you hunt short stubble, low or no cover, or if you dig in, a lower profile blind will be much easier to hide.

Portability

Portability is essential for hunters who hike in long distances or who need to pack a lot of gear into their truck. The smaller the blind folds up, the easier it will be to transport. A backpack style carry case or shoulder strap comes in handy for long hikes and keeps your hands free for carrying other gear. The larger the layout blind, the heavier it will be to carry, so if you hike in, keep this in mind.

Another factor that affects portability is how fast the blind sets up and folds down. The easier it is to set up and take down, the quicker you’ll be ready to hunt and the easier it will be to move from one location to another.

Comfort

If you’re going to spend a lot of time in the field, you want to be comfortable. Make sure the blind has a waterproof, insulated bottom to keep you warm and dry. The seat should be well padded, and the blind should be wide enough for your shoulders and long enough for your height. It should also be roomy enough to fit your gun, shells, flags, and any other gear you want inside with you.

Lay n Slay Waterfowl Hunting Blind with Zero Detect Camouflage

The Lay ‘n Slay Layout Blind from KillZone Hunting is now available with Zero-Detect camouflage. This camo pattern blends easily into almost any field setting and terrain. The subtle colors and pattern are just right for early or late season hunting.

The features of the Zero-Detect Lay ‘n Slay Blind are identical to the original field khaki Lay ‘n Slay blind, including large quick-release screen doors, a thickly woven floor for protection from moisture and cold, elastic weave stubble straps, interior storage pockets, a zippered foot end for easy cleanout, and shoulder straps for easy carrying.

Features:

• Zero-Detect Camouflage Pattern
• Large Screen Doors
• Padded Seat and Headrest
• Stubble Straps
• Quick Fold Design


View from inside the layout blind

• Detachable Shoulder Straps
• Interior Storage for Flags and Ammunition
• Zippered Foot End for Easy Clean Out
• Lightweight Steel Frame
• Weight: 17 lbs.
• Folded: 47” x 17” x 8”
• Open: 86” x 36” x 20”

Lay 'n Slay duck blind with doors open

Zero Detect camo swatch

Cover your layout blind with a coat of mud and stubble for concealment.

Mudding is a technique used by expert waterfowl hunters to break in a layout blind and make it easier to hide in the field, especially dirt fields with very little foliage.

Out of the box, a layout blind won’t provide the level of concealment that you need. In order to blend in with your surroundings—whether that means stubble, corn stalks, or plain dirt—you need to apply natural camouflage to the blind, using mud and/or vegetation.

Get Rid of the Shine

The first thing to get rid of is unnatural shine from the blind material. Any material that flashes in the sun can makes birds shy away from your blind. American Hunter recommends roughing up the fabric with a wire brush to break up some of the shine and to make it easier for the mud to stick to the blind.

If you want to paint your blind a different color, now is the time to do it. Use an ultra-flat paint to eliminate any shine.

Mud It Up

The next step is to apply mud. Collect dirt from the fields where you hunt, or use dirt with similar color and properties to match the area in which you’ll be hunting. Mix this dirt with enough water to make a paste. Then use an old paintbrush or broom to apply the mud to the blind. Let the mud dry. Leave the layout blind outside for a few days; then slap it with another coat of mud for good measure. When the mud is completely dry, shake the blind gently to remove any loose dirt and to keep the dirt from falling into your eyes while you’re hunting.

Add some stubble and vegetation to your conceal your blind in the field, and you’re ready to go!