My first deer hunting experience almost 45 years ago was with my father in a ground blind in southwest Alabama. This blind was built from salvaged 2x4 boards and corrugated sheet metal that probably came off an old barn roof. We sat on a little bench in this claustrophobic shack with slits to stick our scoped rifles through if we saw a buck, arriving before dawn and departing after sunset. That’s how we hunted then. We took sandwiches, apples, cheddar cheese, a Coke, binoculars and a seat cushion. I saw my first deer from that stand, a doe that locked eyes with me momentarily. After sunset, in the dark, we walked through the woods and across a swinging bridge over a swirling, muddy, undammed river. I was hooked.

Ground blinds have been part of my hunting experiences ever since then. Like many other hunters, especially those of us of a certain age, I’ve run the gamut of ground setups — sitting butt on the ground and leaning against a tree; burrowing into a blowdown; homemade plywood blinds; tick-tight commercial blinds that cost thousands of dollars, with insulation, quiet windows and filtered chimneys to help mask my odor; and even luxurious, custom-built shooting houses with propane heaters, carpet (to muffle noise, of course) and other creature comforts.

But there’s something about a pop-up ground blind that grabs a hunter’s attention. They’re easier to carry and set up into the woods or field, thanks to better fabrics and the hub-spoke systems. Some of today’s blinds feature quiet fabrics that don’t fade into pink like some camo patterns and fabrics of old. Modern pop-up blinds come in a variety of sizes; hunters wanting a single, small pop-up can get it, or they may seek one with a wide footprint in which they can hunt with a buddy or two. Some models are tall enough in which to stand or stretch their legs if need be during an all-day sit.

Ground blinds aren’t just for whitetail hunters, either. Turkey hunters use ground blinds, as do those seeking hogs and some other big game animals. If young hunters are involved, ground blinds are super to keep them engaged without climbing ladders or into elevated stands. And if you have customers who enjoy filming, or hunting with a friend, larger pop-up blinds offer space, comfort and the ability to move around, set up cameras or switch positions if necessary.

Don’t overlook ground blinds as a potential year-round money-maker. Customers may lose a lease just before deer season and need to switch gears. They could be planning a trip for 2025 and want to try out something now. They could be injured and unable to climb, or need to stock a freezer with meat and want quick, easy concealment. Be ready for these hunters, along with the hardcore guys, because ground blinds are not in demand by just one demographic.

Earlier this year I talked with archery department managers Mark Smith of Mark’s Outdoors in Vestavia, Alabama, and Jody Smith with Mack’s Prairie Wings in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Both said sales of tree saddles were off the hook, and sales of ladder, lock-on and climbing stands were about the same.

“For ground blinds, that’s kind of leveled off,” Jody said. “We still sell some ground blinds through summer and closer to deer season, but honestly not as many as we used to. The three-man hub blinds like the Rhino 180, those still get some attention. They’re big and roomy, and have the see-through mesh that’s nice. We also sell some of the $99 or so blinds to guys who need something quick. The bigger ones, like the Rhino 180, I think mostly are the hardcore guys who hunt regularly in blinds and are going to leave it there as long as it will last.”

While some aging hunters often choose to avoid treestands or ladders, Jody says hardcore hunters range in all ages, and many of them like to have a pop-up blind in their arsenal. He does acknowledge that saddles and portable treestands buyers tend to skew younger.

Mark Smith of Mark’s Outdoors in Alabama sells a mix of ground blinds to hunters ranging from college-age to retirement age. “We sell a ton of the big $3,000 shooting houses, compared to a lot of places, and always have. But we also sell some of the portable pop-up blinds, as well. Not a ton, but enough. It’s mostly the larger blinds. We get some interest for all of them because we have such a variety of terrain in Alabama, from mountains up north and east, to large agricultural fields and river-bottoms in the south. There’s a variety, and hunters want options.”

Why Blinds Matter

Hunters centuries ago would stalk game or create “hides,” where they could melt into the forest near game trails, watering holes or feeding areas. These hiding spots might have been a big brushpile, limbs piled up around them on a tree, or some other blind. They were on the ground. Climbing trees wasn’t the deal.

In perhaps the last 100 years, hunters began exploring different ways to target game. Pursuits with hounds were vogue in the days with larger blocks of land. Hunting clubs and leased land became more popular in the Southeast in the 1970s. The first time I hunted from a ladder stand was probably 1980 or ’81, with no safety harness. I’ve seen homemade treestands with 2x4s and plywood seats  —  some relatively safe, some rickety and scary  — and outstanding, comfortable, welded hang-on stands with stability.

Ground blinds have evolved in the last 20 years, especially so, to today’s super variety of options. The fabric is quieter, tougher, more weather-resistant and lasts longer under harsh conditions. Zippers are easier to manipulate. The hub-spoke system most blinds have is vastly easier to use. See-through fabrics and windows offer more options for concealment and shooting opportunities.

Thanks to all these things, and maybe a blind that weighs about 25 pounds or so, they’re easy to use. Hunters are on the ground, at eye level, with whatever they’re pursuing. They’re safer, not being elevated. They’re more comfortable. All of these are great selling points for hunters seeking something different for the upcoming season.

The Chair Is Important

Along with the blinds you sell, and the archery or firearm gear and clothing and boots, one of the most important things for ground blind hunters is the chair. We’ve known forever that if your feet are cold due to poor socks or boots, you’ll be uncomfortable. The same holds true with the chair.

As with any product line, having a selection of “good, better, best” might be a good option for ground blind chairs. They may be left in the blind all season, if the hunter does that, or hauled in with each hunt. Either way, the chair needs to be comfortable. Shifting and squirming, trying to get situated, fidgeting … all that creates movement and possible noise that even a ground blind might not fully conceal. 

Tripod chairs are inexpensive and easy to transport. Personally, I hate them, even with a cushion. The three legs always seem off, and one of them always, without fail, is poking a sensitive area. That doesn’t feel good, especially after several hours. I think the flimsy tripod and nylon bag chairs sag too low for optimal viewing and shooting, too. Some hunters may prefer them, though, so having some in stock should be a consideration.

A top chair I’d recommend is the Millennium G100, designed for ground blinds and shooting houses. It has a folding design with tripod legs that adjust from 13-18 inches. The aluminum construction is light, sturdy and weathers the elements. A full-back ComfortMAX seat is fine for short or long sits, and adding a cushion provides more comfort.

Other Accessories

Hunters will take more to their ground blinds than usual, typically, because it’s easier to haul in and out. A few good accessories can make a long sit in a blind more comfortable and help increase the chances of success if they’re waiting on Mr. Whitetail to stroll by.

One great accessory is the Earth Anchor bow holder from Hawk Hunting. It screws into the ground and holds a vertical bow, which can be easily picked up and drawn if the time is right. This is better than having a bow with a nocked arrow lying across your lap in the chair, or propped in the corner of the blind. The Earth Anchor can be set up at the perfect distance to reach and draw. Hawk’s Kwik-Grab crossbow stand also is a great product for crossbow hunters and can be used at the range, too.

Ground blinds aren’t 100 percent sealed, especially with an open window or see-through mesh. Wind can swirl in and around, taking the scent of hunters out of the blind. The portable Ozonics HR230 units are super to help reduce odor and unwanted scents. Ozonics has a ground blind mounting bracket that can be used with their units.

Backpacks to haul everything are important, so don’t forget about suggesting those to hunters buying ground blinds. They’re great for bow gear or ammo, lunch or snacks, beverages, toilet paper or wet wipes, optics and other gear. As with any accessory, being quiet is a must. Three backpacks I like are the Alps Pursuit (about $120), the Badlands Superday (about $280) and the Code of Silence DoubleBack Pack (about $150). All have super features and have been put to the test for years by hunters in a variety of situations and conditions.

Anchors, Ropes

Ground blinds have tabs with grommets to secure it, but often don’t come with stakes. Selling these is a great idea because it’s one less thing your customer has to search for elsewhere.

The least expensive stakes probably are the metal shepherd’s hook style anchors, with a long shank and curved crook on top. They’re convenient and quick to use. With dry, hard or clay soils, it might take a rubber mallet to bang them into the ground. They also can bend easily. Still, they’re an inexpensive option worth having.

In softer or sandy soils, a screw-in anchor is the best option. These don’t require a hammer or foot pressure, and work at angles or almost vertically. Instead of having tie-cords stretched around the blind that could be a tripping hazard, a screw anchor with tie-off point can be put closer and more vertical.

Another affordable option is Coghlan’s ABS Plastic Tent Pegs, a common item sold with camping supplies. They’re lightweight and inexpensive, and get the job done. These pegs have a hook on the top to tie off. Coghlan’s also makes a screw-in model and 7-inch steel pegs with a tie-off crook. All are easy to find via your sales reps or on Coghlan's website. One more thing to consider is the Nite Ize ShineLine, which has a strip of reflective cord woven into the nylon. This is great for hunters checking for the blind with a light as they walk in when it’s dark.

Having tie-down nylon cord and stakes near your ground blind display will help with customer satisfaction. A one-stop experience is remembered and appreciated. When hunters come in asking about ground blind sizes, windows, see-through mesh and other features, be ready to ask about their hunting situations and get them set up for success.

Sidebar: Odor Control Matters With Ground Blinds

Nestled in the corner of my blind, I felt confident about the spot. I was slammed against a fencerow and tree, brushed in well and overlooking several large, fresh scrapes near a Kansas CRP field. My chair was perfectly positioned for a bow shot that never happened.

Late in the afternoon, I noticed the wind shifting a bit. Swirling a bit. Nothing unusual for Kansas, right? A whiff of musk hit hard. A buck had slipped in close, no doubt wary of the blind, close enough for me to smell its tarsals and get my heart pumping. He disappeared. The landowner said it likely was the 170-class buck they’d seen in that field, behind their barn and in that small woodlot.

Scent matters with ground blinds. Wind swirls through window openings and see-through mesh panels. Odors can escape under an unsecured bottom opening or partially unzipped door. Hunters need to be ready with their favorite odor control products, whether they’re in an elevated stand or ground blind.

My go-to is Scent Killer Gold from Wildlife Research Center, which has a great range of products. Among them are bathing soap good for skin and hair, dye- and scent-free laundry soaps and dryer sheets, and the famous Scent Killer line for spraying clothing, boots, gear and skin. I apply it liberally and don’t worry about, “Oh, that’s too much.” A little works, but I want to make sure with everything, including my backpack, inside and outside of my caps, and any chair or cushion I take to a blind. Also, if the ground blind is new or hasn’t been in a spot too long, using Scent Killer Gold inside and out may help. I’m also fond of Wildlife Research Center’s X-Tra Concentrated Cedar masking scent, which works well in areas with cedars. Others in the X-Tra line include Apple, Acorn, Pine and Earth.

Sidebar: Don’t Forget Optics

Almost all ground blind hunters will want to carry a binocular and rangefinder, unless they’ve positioned a blind in very thick cover and visibility is limited to 30 yards or less. Here are a few optics to consider stocking.

The new Passion SD line from GPO includes six models — 8x26, 10x26, 8x34, 10x34, 8x42 and 10x42. The 8x26 and 10x26 are the most compact, at just 4.6 inches and 11.5-ish ounces. The models increase slightly in size and weight going up to the 10x42 model. They’re all built with a magnesium frame, high-definition SD glass and customizable eye-relief.

A great option for rangefinders is the Bushnell Broadhead. It is accurate to .3-yards out to 150 yards and has high-speed ranging. The ActiveSync display automatically changes from black to illuminated red when lighting conditions change. It also has brighter imaging and special coating for different colors on the UV spectrum. The EXO Barrier coating protects from the elements.