58 Nebraskaland • December 2025
MIXED BAG
As proficient as hub-style blinds
are at providing concealment from
wildlife, the stakes tasked with
keeping them from blowing across the
prairie are often no match for the hard
ground encountered at certain times or
places in our region. A hammer helps
drive the stakes into hard ground, but
too often mangles them in the process.
Using the same concept as a drivers
used to pound metal t-posts, a simple,
easily-constructed tool can relieve
stakes from the abuse of pounding.
First, find or buy a length of
threaded metal pipe and a screw-on
cap to match. Then, get a 3/8-inch
steel rod that is at least 6 inches longer
than the pipe. After screwing the cap
over one end of the pipe, insert the
rod into the other. Grasping the pipe
and slamming it up and down over
the steel rod creates a pilot hole for
the stakes. After nearing a depth the
length of the stake, or reaching softer
soil, the rod can be removed and the
stake inserted in its place. Secure it by
tamping with the cap end of the pipe.
The size of the driver largely
depends on user preference. A
big, heavy pipe will make for quick
pounding, but will not be transported
as easily as a smaller setup. By keeping
the lengths shorter than that of your
blind's bag, you can slip it in there for
easy carrying.
When cutting the rod to length,
grind one end to a sharp point to make
for easier driving. A case made of
capped PVC pipe will ensure the two
pieces stay together and that the rod's
point does not pierce the bag's fabric.
Of course, the pounding does make
noise that may scare wildlife, just as a
hammer would, so set the blind out in
advance when possible.
Whether trying to harvest a deer
over frozen ground in winter, or a
pronghorn on hard, dry clay in late
summer, the concealment provided
by a hub-style ground blind is surely
advantageous. By carrying this tool,
hunters can ensure their stakes are
deep enough that the blind will stay
where they put it.
STAKE SAVER
Securing hunting blinds on hard ground
By Justin Haag
Use a metal pipe and steel rod to create a pilot hole before securing stakes on hard ground. JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND
