Bowhunting turkeys from a natural ground blind
 

BKE sent me a message asking about using a natural ground blind so i thought i would give him my thoughts and then maybe ask some of you guys that use a natural blind to hunt turkeys what you do.

I feel that the best possible ground blind set up is using cedar trees. Whether you can get at the base of a large one and build up a little blind in front of you, or if you just cut down a bunch of cedar limbs and build a blind. Cedar trees/branches have a lot of cover on them and do a great job of blocking out light, making it easier for you to draw.

I would say the number one thing, is to have a GOOD BACKDROP. It will help break up your outline when drawing.

Also, with the decoys...if i were hunting a double bull i would probably have them a 5-7 yards, but when using a natural blind, i personally do not want the birds that close. I usually set my decoys at about 20.

Here is a couple pics of a setup where there wasnt a cedar tree and we just build a good backdrop and whatnot. Hope this helps!

RE: Bowhunting turkeys from a natural ground blind
 

Those look Great. I built 4 yesterday using piled up brush with small cut pine treesplaced in front of the brush. It kind of seals it so to speak so nothing can see thru it. I even a placed a couple pines bundled together upright about 10 yards in front of me hopefully giving me a chance to draw when one walks behind it. I agree on the decoys being out a little farther. I would not want them that close either in a natural blind. Well gota go and roost some birds now. There is one strutting behind my house at this moment and my sons youth season is in the morning.

RE: Bowhunting turkeys from a natural ground blind
 

Awesome Dan! Good luck in the morning. You talk him in to using his bow yet? :)

RE: Bowhunting turkeys from a natural ground blind
 

Just my camo. I set to the side of a tree, I take my chances on the bird turning and fanning out. If he were to come in with hens or not fan out when he comes in I wouldn't have a chance (Not that I have had one thus far). I think I can pull it off though, Im looking at it as if I were carrying a shot gun. If you were using a shot gun and the bird came in to the side of you, you would have to pick a time to turn your weapon or wait for him to walk in front of you. I know that doesn't make much sense, im doing about the same thing as you when it comes down to it.

RE: Bowhunting turkeys from a natural ground blind
 

looks good