The biggest problem without having much in the way of cover in front of you is that you tend to get busted because of movement. While I agree that many deer are killed without a commercially made blind, I also believe that at the moment of truth (i.e. deer in range) you have a better chance of actually getting off the shot if you are in a blind. When I first started bow hunting back in the 80' s I was grounded for several years. During that time I also vividly remember getting busted frequently by deer. I couldn' t wait for the day when I could afford a treestand to eliminate as much of the getting busted problem as possible. Ground hunting can be a tough deal. Also very exciting! With all that said, when I' m not in a tree, I' ll take my chances with my commercial ground blind over the old method of ground concealment. I do believe that you must carefully select where to set up the blind though, so it doesn' t stick out like a sore thumb. To be able to relax in the comfort of the blind, move around a bit, be protected from the elements are all major benefits of the blind. Jim