NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: https://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1544678
74 Nebraskaland • April 2026 MIXED BAG With so many types of blinds on the market from pop-up types, hay bales, A-frames and more, it's hard to determine which is going to be best for you. Whether you're waterfowl, turkey or deer hunting, knowing what to look for can make or break a hunt. Picking a Blind Your blind must fit the type of hunting you plan to do. Will you be hunting alone? Will you need a heater? Shooting sticks? What kind of seat will you need? All of these are important questions as you decide the type of hunting you'll do and what your comfort needs are when in the field. Fit can also mean the size and weight of the blind. It would be ideal if the blind is easy to access once placed in the field, but that's rarely the case. Rain and snow become huge obstacles when transporting a blind, so size and weight considerations are a must. Bigger isn't always better depending on your situation. Other options include the need for dog doors on A-frames, whether a pop-up blind uses Velcro, zippers or some other fasteners, and the angle of the seat in a laydown blind. A Better Pop-Up Blind Once you have purchased a blind, there are other considerations. In a pop-up blind, be sure to keep the windows behind you closed. This prevents light coming into the blind, exposing you to be seen. Placing a roll of lightweight carpet in a pop-up is a must to keep noises down from inside the blind whether there is snow or leaves and twigs. Roll and strap the carpet onto the blind when carrying to condense gear. If the inside of your ground blind is black, be sure to wear dark clothing to disappear inside. Wearing camouflage clothing may not hide you in this background. When purchasing a chair, think about weight, stability and comfort. If you plan to hunt for hours, have a chair that won't interfere with the pleasure of your hunt. You must also be able to shoot from it effectively. A Better A-Frame Whether you're using an A-frame or laydown blind for waterfowl, your hide is crucial. Having success from one of these blinds in the middle of a cut crop field is not uncommon, but these blinds have to be "brushed up" with surrounding habitat to blend in. Having some sort of cutters with you to gather anything from cut cornstalks to nearby sticks and grasses will be the difference between waterfowl finishing into your decoys or turning tail completely. Regardless of what you plan to hunt, spend some time in the blind before ever purchasing it. A lot of troubleshooting can be accomplished before ever leaving the store. Ensure the blind has enough room (top) and your camouflage matches the blind's inside (above). JULIE GEISER, NEBRASKALAND Whether in an A-frame (top) or laydown (above), brushing up a blind with nearby materials is a must. JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND WHAT DO YOU NEED IN A BLIND? By Julie Geiser