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Ground Blinds

Unlike tree stands, ground stands do not require sawing branches or attaching noisy chains or steps, so there's less chance of alerting deer to your presence. A hunter with a physical limitation (i.e. a bad back or a bum knee) is safer and more comfortable in a ground hide. Ground blinds can be extremely elaborate or as simple as a little hide in fallen branches.

Commercial Blinds
There are many commercial blinds on the market that work well for deer hunting. Most consist of poles and camouflage cloth, which you set up around a tree. Some have roofs and shooting slots. Archers use more open and roomy models. Some hunters make blinds out of camo netting, burlap or even chicken wire interlaced with weeds.

Natural Blinds
Deadfalls are a mixture of fallen trees and branches. If they're in the right spot, hunters can hide behind them. If not, you can drag old logs and fallen limbs close to fresh scrapes or a trail and set up.

Agricultural Blinds
Both rifle and bow hunters use hay blinds extensively in agricultural areas. The theory is simple. Once a farmer cuts a hay or alfalfa field, deer get used to the rectangular or giant round bales left behind. A hunter hides behind hay bales in an open field, hoping to get a crack at a buck coming to feed or mingle with does. Standard hay bales can be moved and placed close to a trail where deer enter a field. Hunters simply hide behind huge round bales and take their chances.