Ground blind on public land????

[vanishing point]

Hello gang.I want to try hunting from a ground blind.I will be setting up at a local state park.Kankakee state park in illinois.As a first timer what hints and tips should i know ? The area i will be in is bordered by a highway on one side and a river on the otherside, woods inbetween.Should i be close to the river or farther away? I`m looking for any advice you may have.How do you feel about a ground blind on public land ? Thanks for your help .VP

[ranger 3]

First, don't leave it out there unattended. I hunt public land and people tend to take things that don't belong to them and that's to bad. You should do a little scouting around to find some trails.

[bdawg]

ive had luck closer to the river,seems like the deer in my area like to follow just inside the woods.make sure you put some brush or hide it pretty good.the deer seem to notice something new in their area.i normally leave mine up for awhile before i hunt out of it but wouldnt on public land.cant trust anyone anymore.i spray mine with a cover scent also.good luck.bdawg

[Fletcher]

Deer tend to follow terrain lines and edges.  Both the river and road will form these and you will likely find a trail paralleling both within ten yards, esp the river.  Wind will have a lot to do with the decision on which to hunt.

Sorry, but I have to agree with the risk of leaving your blind set up.  You could make a natural blind.

[BRONZ]

I agree with Fletcher, make a natural blind that will break up your outline and hunt from it.  I will do this even on private land in areas I expect turkey activity.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

I agree with the Natural ground blind!  Also don't overlook the road.  I have had many great stands within 50 yards of a road in big forests. If you make a Natural ground blind, all you have to do is go to it!  It will be much quicker and more convenient, also the deer will get used to it unlike a new tent blind in the middle of their livingroom.

The river may be more scenic however.    

Good luck!

[Wary Buck]

Another option if you're pretty set on using the pop-up blind is to find a deadfall that helps define deer traffic, and then cut out an appropriate size hole in that deadfall where you could erect the Double Bull when you get there.  I would never leave any kind of blind or stand out on public ground; the maggots will take it.

[waknstak IL]

From my experience. Unless you are going to brush the blind in very well or leave it somewhere for a period of time (which may not be legal), they seem to spook deer.  If I have to go to that much trouble. I may just as well make a natural blind. As others have said deer like to follow natural edges. Also look for paths where deer cross the road or low water areas where deer can cross the river. If you are intent on using the tent blind. you may want "mud" it prior to using it to remove the shine from the material . It makes a big difference imho.

[GingivitisKahn]

Rather than speculating, are you talking about a manufactured blind that you bring in (and take out) with you or are you talking about building some natural blind?