I think they're a useful tool, especially for those who like to hunt with a bow and a camera, or with kids in less than admirable weather, but you're right there's something to be said for hunting out in the open. I've only ever hunted (2 years) out in the open, but can see the advantages of a blind. That being said, my first turkey hunt ever I had a hen walk past me at about 5 yards and from then I've been hooked! This past weekend I was out and needed to make a move on a bird that was holding tight on the other side of a ridge and I believe hunting out of a blind from the spot we set up initially we would not have gotten that bird. There's nothing like sittin against a pine tree with half a branch poking you in the back while you stare down a line of tall pines waiting for a boss tom to poke his head over a hill.