Whether using a bow or a shotgun, hunting turkeys requires getting close to your target. This is easier said than done, given the excellent vision gobbler have.
So how can you even out the playing field without spooking the turkey and give yourself a fighting chance of bagging that Thanksgiving bird?
The easy answer is use the best ground blinds for turkey hunting, of course.
A ground blind allows you to get close to your prey without spooking them. The right ground blind for turkey hunting will feature a moss-oak camouflage and will blend in with the natural surroundings. This makes it harder for turkeys to notice you when inside the blind.
And in most cases, you will get a gobbler walk right up to your blind without suspecting a thing. This is what you want as the trick with turkey hunting is to wait for them to come to you. And if you have the right blind and have positioned it in a suitable location, they will come.
However, not all ground blinds are designed for turkey hunting. As such, for a successful hunt, you will need the best ground blind for turkey hunting.
But if you are new to ground blinds for turkey hunting, it can be tough to identify the best turkey hunting ground blinds. To help you find a suitable blind, we have prepared a list of the best round hunting blinds for turkeys.
A Quick View Of Our Top Turkey Ground Blind Picks
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We picked the above seven turkey hunting ground blinds based on their size, value for money, ease of use, and weight, among other factors we will discuss below.
Benefits of Using A Ground Blind For Turkey Hunting
But why should you use a ground blind for turkey hunting? Here are a few advantages of using a ground blind for turkey hunting.
- Using a ground blind is a more comfortable way of hunting turkeys. You can bring a turkey hunting chair or a padded bucket seat to sit on while hunting. As such, you can stay in the field longer without feeling uncomfortable or numb in your legs.
- Another reason to use a ground blind is that it protects you from the elements. With a blind, you can stay in the field even when it rains. This gives you an advantage as turkeys come out when it’s raining, as it’s easier for them to see predators.
- Freedom of movement is another benefit of using a ground blind for turkey hunting. Inside a ground blind, you can stretch or shift your view without spooking nearby prey.
- Also, hunting inside a blind is safer than hunting in the open, especially if you are hunting on public land. It is harder to be mistaken for prey while inside a blind.
Tips on Using Ground Blinds For Turkey Hunting
Just because you are using a ground blind does not automatically guarantee success. After all, the blind is just a tool, and how you use it matters a lot. Here are a few tips on when and how to set up a ground blind for turkey hunting.
Set Up Before The Season
Turkeys are cautious animals and can easily get spooked by anything new in their surroundings. It is thus wise to set up a blind before the season opens. This helps the birds get used to the blind as part of their natural surroundings.
Though your ability to set up a blind before the start of the season will depend on where you hunt. Private lands are great for this; in most states, they offer the best chance of success when bagging a prized gobbler.
Know Where To Set Up
But setting up the blind in advance will also not guarantee a successful hunt. It is essential to place the blind in strategic locations where turkeys frequent. There are three locations you can set up a blind.
The first is the strut zone, which can be in a corner or a meadow. It can also be at the intersection of two logging roads. Next is near known turkey dusting spots. These are bone-dry dirt areas where turkeys clean their feathers to rid themselves of bugs. Hens love dust baths, and setting up your blind near one will be wise.
Lastly, you can set up your blind in an area between an afternoon source and a regular roost site. However, be sure not to get too close to the roosting site. Ideally, you want to set up the blind 200 or 300 yards from the roosting area. Being close to the roosting site can cause the turkey to shift.
Pick A Time Of Day
What time of day you want to hunt turkeys also matters. In most cases, you want to be in your blind before mid-morning. This is usually 2 to 3 hours after flying down. Alternatively, you can use the mid-afternoon. This is usually when the birds are out and about after the mid-day lull.
The Best Location To Set Up Ground Blind For Turkey Hunting
Where should you place your ground blind? There are several locations you can position your ground blind.
- One of the best places to set up a blind is on the edge of a field. This can be a pasture, agricultural, or natural grassland. The vegetation is usually not tall in spring and is perfect for attracting hens and toms alike. This can also be a great place to set up a decoy.
- Woody openings and trails are another areas to set up a ground blind. These are usually areas with few large openings, meaning turkeys are limited to small meadows and clearings. You can place your blind in the vegetation next to such openings and clearings. Turkeys will use these trails or openings to get from one meadow to another.
- Open oak flats can be an excellent spot for setting up a ground blind in the fall. This is because there are usually plenty of freshly fallen acorns for the birds. However, it can also be a great place in spring, as some birds may be scratching around for leftovers.
How to Shoot Turkey With A Bow From A Ground Blind
When bow hunting from a ground blind, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
- The first is to avoid opening too many windows. It can be tempting as this increases visibility. However, it will also mean you will not be concealed enough. Keep the back and corner windows of the blind closed.
- Second, do not shoot right next to the window. Instead, move a little back from the window where you are concealed by the shadows created by the closed windows. However, do not move too far back that your back elbow comes in contact with the back of the blind when in full draw.
- Next is the size of your bow. Ideally, you want to use a short enough bow that the cams do not come in contact with the roof of the blind. If the cams are relatively close to the roof when you fire, the cams will slap against the roof, scaring away nearby prey.
Best Ground Blinds for Turkey Hunting Reviews
TIDE Hunting Blind See-Through with Carrying Bag
We picked the Tidewe Hunting blind for its ease of setup, design, and spacious interior. Being a pop-up ground blind, it was fairly easy to set up. It takes only a couple of minutes to set up. Below are some of the things we liked about the blind.
All-Round See Through Mesh
Perhaps the best feature of this blind, the three full panels of see-through mesh give you a 270-degree unobstructed view of your surroundings. Meaning that you can see your prey without it seeing you.
Spacious Interior
This blind is 66 inches in height, while its hub-to-hub dimensions are 75 by 75 inches. The floor space is 58 by 58 inches. We found that it could easily fit two adults with their gear. Having a third person inside may get a little crowded, though. But for a two-person blind, it is perfectly fine.
Noise-Free Sliding Windows
It has three noise-free sliding windows. This makes it easy for you to slide open the window and aim at your target without alerting the prey. We would have preferred the ability to open the small side window without having to open the whole window, though.
Verdict
This blind has a few cons, such as the door being too small, but it is still one of the Best portable turkey blinds. It is covered in a mossy oak camo to help you blend in with the surroundings. It is also built with a strong metal frame to withstand harsh weather.
RHINO Blinds R150 3-Person Hunting Ground Blind
Like the Tide blind, this Rhine Blind R150 3-person hunting ground blind is spacious. The 66-inch center height will be particularly great for bow hunters. It has plenty of room for you to shoot a bow without slapping the roof or coming in contact with the blind’s side walls.
Well Made For The Price
Compared to other ground blinds, this one is relatively inexpensive. However, it is very well made. The exterior is made from true 150 denier polyester with a mossy oak camo. Its frame is metallic and can withstand harsh weather while keeping you concealed.
Spacious Interior
As mentioned, it has a center height of 66 inches, while its hub-to-hub dimensions are 75 by 75 inches. The floor space is 58 inches by 58 inches. While it can fit 2 adults comfortably with their gear, having three people inside may be overcrowded.
180 Degree View Window
The front of the blind has a wide and continuous window that offers an almost 180-degree view of your surroundings. But the best part about this opening is that it can be adjusted. This adjustable window can be opened fully or only with a narrow slit.
Verdict
The door on this blind was a little difficult to use with its webbing bucks for closing. Also, the extra windows on the blind let in too much light. However, while it isn’t perfect, it is one of the better Ground blinds for bow hunting at its price range.
Ameristep Care Taker Kick Out Pop-Up Ground Blind
The Ameristep Care Taker Kick Out Pop-up ground blind is another inexpensive option for turkey hunting. Nevertheless, several features earn it a spot on the list and your consideration.
Mossy Oak Camo and Black ShadowGuard Coating
A ground blind should allow you to see your prey without it seeing you. And this ground blind is designed to do this. The mossy oak camo helps it blend in well into the surroundings and is to be expected. But this blind goes a step further by having a black shadow guard coating.
This creates shadows and silhouettes that keep you well hidden from your prey. You can take your shot easily from the blind without being detected.
Easy to Transport
Compared to some of the other options on the list, this one is small. It measures 55 inches long, 55 inches wide, and 60 inches high. The floor space is only 55 by 55 inches. This makes it easy to transport. As for how many people it can fit, it can accommodate two people, but it will fill cramped and is best suited as a one-man blind.
Adjustable Windows
The windows on this blind give you a good view of the surroundings. Also, you can drop them halfway or fully. They also feature a shoot-through mesh. The windows do not raise halfway through.
Verdict
For such an inexpensive blind, there are a few things that we did not like, such as the door, which is relatively small. It also has stitching holes at the seams but so do pricier models. Overall, it is an excellent blind for its price.
Rhino Blinds R180 3 Person See Through Hunting Ground Blind
See-through ground blinds give you an incredible view of your surroundings. And one of the best ground blinds for deer hunting and turkey hunting is the Rhino Blinds R180.
See Through Mesh
This blind comes with two full panels of see-through mesh. This gives you an unobstructed view of your area. You can see turkeys from any direction while inside the blind. Also, its mossy oak camo makes it blend well with the dried leaves’ spring environment.
Roomy Interior
The blind is also quite roomy and can fit up to 3 people. It measures 66 inches tall and has a floor space of 58 inches by 58 inches. The hub space is 75 inches by 75 inches. For comfort, it can fit two people easily, as 3 people would be cramped.
Adjustable Windows and Silent Door
The window openings can be adjusted. Also, the windows open silently. Also, there is a large door. The door does not have a, making it easy for you to silently get in and out of the blind.
Verdict
This ground blind is slightly pricier than the others on the list. However, the added price is well worth it. The blind comes with tie-down stakes, ropes, and brush loops included.
Rhino Blinds R150-MOC Tough 3-Person Outside Game Hunting Ground Blind
The Rhino Blinds R150-MOC tough 3-person ground blind is designed to be easy to set up and take down. It takes about 10 minutes to set it up. But this isn’t the only feature to be excited about.
Windows With Shoot Through Mesh
The large windows give you a wide view of your area. They are equipped with shoot-through mesh to make it easy to shoot. In total, there are two large windows on either side and an additional two smaller windows. You can also adjust the window opening from the top.
Good Construction
In terms of construction, this blind is well-made with a 5-hub design. It is also triple-stitched in the corners and has reinforced stress points for added durability. It is covered in a moss oak camo that blends well with the environment.
Large Size
This will be a big enough blind for bow hunters to shoot a bow. It has enough space inside for movement. It has a floor space of 58 by 58 inches, and while it is advertised for 3 people, the number of people it can comfortably hold is 2 people.
Verdict
Though the stakes for holding it down are a little flimsy, as are the toggle loops for opening the windows, it is an excellent option if you want something you can set up quickly.
Ameristep Brickhouse 3-Person Easy Set-Up Blind
The Ameristep Brickhouse 3-person blind is one of the best ground blinds for turkey hunting for both bow and rifle hunters. It features both shoot-through mesh windows and gun ports.
Easy To Set up and Lightweight
This is an easy-to-set-up blind that takes about 15 minutes maximum to set up. It is also relatively lightweight, making it easy to transport. It should withstand harsh weather as well with its spider hub frame. We recommend using a waterproof spray, though, as it has small pinholes that can let in rainwater.
Camouflage Blind
As you would expect from a ground blind, it has a mossy oak exterior that blends into the spring environment. In addition, it has brush loops for adding natural foliage for added camouflage. Inside the blind, it is coated with a shadow guard coating that creates shadows and silhouettes. This helps keep you hidden from your prey.
Roomy Interior
The inside of the blind is quite roomy and should have enough space for two people. It is also sufficiently tall that you can stand up inside. It also has plenty of windows on the sides and corners for better viewing angles.
Verdict
There were some minor issues we had with this blind. The first is that the hooks that keep the window flaps closed are relatively weak. Also, the door has a zipper, which is a little loud compared to other blinds. The zipper is quite sturdy, though this blind is easy to set up overall.
Ameristep Tent Chair Blind
The Ameristed Tent chair blinds is a one-person blind. It comes with a carrying case with shoulder straps making it easy to carry. It is also designed to help you blend in with the environment well.
Sufficiently Roomy
Most one-person blinds tend to be small and cramped. We found this blind to be quite roomy, though with enough legroom. It also gives you the ability to use the side windows easily. There is also a rear window.
Good Design and Build
The outer shell is made from Durashel plus. This custom-woven matte finish material makes it lightweight without compromising on durability. Inside it has the same shadow guard coating as other Ameristep blinds. This coating creates shadows to hide you from your prey.
Integrated Seat
As a one-person tent chair blind, it comes with a seat integrated into the construction. So you only bring your firearm and gear. It is roomy enough for one person but may be too cramped for two people.
Verdict
While it is roomy, we would not recommend this for bow hunting. For shotgun hunting, though, it will be a good option. It has more interior room than most other one-person blinds.
How To Choose A Perfect Ground Blind For Turkey Hunting?
There are several things to consider when searching for a ground blind for your next turkey hunt. The main ones are;
The Size of The Blind
Ground blinds vary in size, with some being designed to accommodate more than one hunter. Typically, the size of the blind you pick will depend on whether you hunt solo or with a friend. If you hunt solo, a one-person blind such as the Ameristep Tent Chair Blind will be an ideal fit.
However, if you hunt with a friend, go for something bigger. A blind with a floor space of 58×58 will be sufficient for two people. Also, a bigger blind will be better if you are a bow hunter. A bigger blind will give you enough space to draw your bow without slapping the sides of the blind and spooking gobblers.
Construction Quality
As we mentioned earlier, one of the advantages of a ground blind is that it protects you from the elements. As such, a good ground blind needs to be tough enough to withstand the occasional rain. Polyester fabric is usually used in making the outer shell of blinds. In terms of the frame, go for something with a metal frame.
Silent Operation
When you want to take a shot from your blind, you will want to open a window. The mechanism of opening the window should be silent enough not to scare away your prey. Also, go for a blind with adjustable windows you can open fully or halfway. This helps reduce the chances of your prey noticing you.
Full View And Camouflage
A good blind should help you keep an eye on turkeys while keeping you concealed. In other words, you should see them, but they should not see you. This means a good blind should have large enough windows to give you a wide view. 180-degree full front windows will be a great feature to have.
You can also opt for see-through blinds that are built with a see-through mesh. This mesh allows you to see outside, but the animals outside cannot see inside the blind. The Ameristep blinds, with their shadow guard coating, offer additional concealment by creating shadows.
Weight
A ground blind will be part of the gear you carry to a hunt. The blind needs to be lightweight so as not to weigh you down. A pop-up design will be ideal as it makes a blind lightweight and easy to set up.
Camouflage
It goes without saying, but you want a blind with a moss-oak camouflage for the spring turkey season. Brush loops that give you the ability to attach foliage to the blind are an added advantage.
Price
There are plenty of blinds that are available at an affordable price tag. Thus if you are tight on cash, you can find something that fits your budget. Some of these cheaper options have drawbacks, such as pin holes that let in water. But you can easily fix these with waterproof spray.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Turkeys Get Spooked By Ground Blinds
Generally, turkeys aren’t easily spooked by ground blinds. However, they tend to be wary of anything new in their environment.
Will A Turkey Come Back After Being Spooked
Typically, a turkey may return to an area even after being spooked, especially during the mating season. Gobblers usually have a limited time to mate and will return to the area if they suspect you are gone.
Do Rhino Blinds Have Shoot through mesh
Most Rhino blinds have a shoot-through mesh that you can shoot through. This helps keep you concealed when making a shot from inside the blind.
About The Author:
Lake Streeter, A Gun enthusiast, and loves to hunt in the middle of the wood. Always check the latest hunting gears out in the market and try to share his honest opinion with the audience in Hunting Nook.