What things/attention to detailsdo you do to set-up a portable blind for deer hunting? I read a fairly interesting article on portable blinds and set-up in Petersons Deerhunting last night.The articlegave suggestions such as camoflaging the blind with local vegetation (duh)and observations like do not shoot a rifle through the mesh windows of a blind as it can change poi, but ok to shoot fixed broadheads from a bow at short to moderate distances.

i wont ever shoot through mesh again. missed adoe because it went through the mesh and the arrow got side tracked. i just pull the mesh off.

Setup is critical especially if it is a same day setup. Make sure not to set blind too close to the trail orwhere the deer will be facing theblind head on when coming down the trail. Make sure there is plenty of back ground behind the blind and to break up the roof outline. Stuffing a blind under a tree withlots of hanging limbs worksgreat. If you let the blind set for a week or so before hunting out of it you can get away with a more open setup.As far as shooting through mesh, I have shot 2 white tails and 2 antelope out of my blind and have seen no impact difference out to 42 yards (doe antelope).

In the blinds I have used, I would not think of shooting through the mesh. In my experience the best blinds are just some mesh fabric set up on the limbs and brush around you. I have used a store bought tent-like blind and the deer seem to shy away from it and its harder to conceal in the brush. It just seems alot easier to set up using only the fabric in a concealed area for the best success.

If I can I will always use a tree stand, but its not always possible and blind canwork pretty good if the setup is right.

Most importantly for me is finding a place I can set the thing that is fairly level. Also for me, comfort is paramount. I took a turkey with one this past spring using a bow (ground tent) and several deer with a rifle this season past. First thing I learned using the bow was that I definately need a bigger blind.

As far as concealment goes, I try to use what is already in place. I have found that its more important to have plenty of cover BEHIND you so that you don't get skylined or sillohetted. While the camo works just slick to our eyes, nothing stands out more than a big ass leaf and stick covered BOX to a deer. I try and set up in front of a blow down or tangle.

Also, I have found that being able to see game coming helps a whole heck of a lot. Espeically when it comes to bow hunting. Those mesh windows are worthless for everything except this. If I know there is a direction I cannot shoot, I will put the mesh up so I can see that way, just incase, but I will always leave the mesh down where I plan to shoot.

One other thing, having the windows up behind you so your own silloutte isn't visable inside the blind is vital too. Other than that, bring a book, a jug of sweet tea and a comfortable chair and wait 'em out!

I have an Ameristep Doghouse blind that i have only used a couple of times, and only bought for use on the occasional rifle or ML hunt. Thanks for the feedback.

I think what actually happened is, you just plain missed, you screwed up.I have shot dozens of shots with numerous different b-heads and they have all shot flawlessly. In fact, we even strung some mesh over the paper tuning frame to specifically test as meny heads as we could and the ONLY b-heads that wouldn't fly well are certain mechs with L-tip shaped blades. I love the fact that I've read a few posts where folks screwed up a shot and naturally they wanted to blame something so the mesh seemed an easy excuse. LOL! I highly doubt it?

My best advice, if you are going to attempt to set up on deer, pile the brush and cover on and around the blind and make absolutely sure you use shoot-through mesh so that you eliminate the black hole effect from the open windows. I promise you, whitetail will spot the open windows easily and they will stay clear of the blind if they do. Good luck and good huntin'

Swampcollie made a very important point. What is behind the blind is as important as the front. I think that the releif behind the blind definately aids in the over all camo of the blind. I also try to make sure the setting sun is not directly behind the blind.

I think,choose a blind without square or box style will be better,the blind will mix with nature,it will not make deers scare.Also the blind's fabric cover should be mixed with nature.