Camouflaged
A
blind is essential for successful duck hunting in most situations. It needs to
be compact, effective and easy to erect. I have used several different blind
set-ups. The blind system that has worked well for me includes using a specific
natural grass. Spartina cordata has several common names including
rippy, rip-gut, cordgrass and slough grass. This grass when cared for will last
several seasons before it needs replacement.
I
take an old tennis court net and cut it in half lengthwise so I have two pieces
that are approximately 2’ x 25’. The length of your net depends on the length
of your cockpit and whether you are blinding in a dog. Use two pieces one for
each side. I use 5" wire ties and separate the grass into bundles about the
diameter of a quarter. Weave the bundles into the net at the top and bottom and
attach them to the net with another wire tie. I don’t attach bundles to every
square on the net, but will skip two squares in seven. The nets will easily
roll up for storage and transport.
Blind components
The
next step in construction of your blind is building the frame work to support
the nets around the cockpit when hunting. There are many ways to do this; use
your imagination. I use five 3/8" dowel rods attached standing upright to the
inside of the cockpit with conduit brackets (see photo). Use the brackets with
two holes for attachment, the one hole brackets will not stay in place. The two
rods at my shoulders are 36”, the two middle cockpit dowel rods are 18” and the
one in the front is 12”. Take
parachute cord and string around the dowel rods. Since I am a Boy Scout and an
ex-Navy man I know how to tie a clove hitch on a bight. Ask a Boy Scout how to
tie the clove hitch. It is the knot I use at each dowel rod. You will find the
cord will need to be attached to the two dowel rods at the rear of the blind at
shoulder level. The cord must then slant down as it goes to the front of the
blind. This will allow you better visibility and ease of shooting. By the time
the cord is at the front of the cockpit it should be as low as it can be. This
will allow the blind to lay flat across the front of the cockpit.
Clove Hitch
Blinding
in a dog will take some experimenting. I drive a couple of stakes outside of
the boat on each side and extend the net along one side and around the back.
This will leave an opening on one side for the dog to exit. There are several
factors involved in selecting which side the opening will be on. I don’t like
the sun to shine in the opening. On a clear south wind morning the opening will
be to the west and I will want to be south and a little east of my spread.
Other factors involved include other boats in your party, other dogs in your
party (and their level of boat manners), where the ducks actually want to land,
and vegetation. Experience will help you decide.
Framework
On
cloudy days I always take extra time and use vegetation from the area to help
my blind blend in. Contrary to popular belief it is easier to hide on sunny
days than it is on cloudy days. The reason is the sun provides shadows and lots
of contrast from a birds eye view. Whereas cloudy days provide little contrast.
Spend
a little time figuring out your blind system. It is time well spent.
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Plans can be ordered from:
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KARA Enterprises, 310 W. 8th St., Carrollton MO 64633.
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The cost is
$29.95
plus$5.00
shipping and handling. Missouri - Add Sales Tax
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Checks or money orders are accepted
International
Orders - Contact the author for shipping costs
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EMAIL
robleonard49@sbcglobal.net
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