I just started using popup blinds recently also. I was a little nervous about setting them up on the edge of a field, without brushing them in, but no more. I set the blind up a couple days before the season, and two days later, when I went back, there were tracks no more than a foot from the base of the blind. During the season I had turkeys walking right past without being the least bit nervous. I haven't tried setting the blind up in the middle of a field, but I have yet to hear anyone say that it hasn't worked.