Blind or Climber??

Hello Everyone! I am new to the forum and would appreciate some advice. I started bowhunting this year, public land is my only option, and it just so happens to be in a populated area so it gets pressure. I see plenty of deer sign (trails,tracks, scat, dead ones on side of road, etc). The refuge is a mix of some open grass areas along freeway, swampy patches, hardwoods with lots of acorns, thickets and a lake as well. I try to set up my ground blind just off a trail that leads to acorn heaven usually. There are enough deer to allow for unlimited anterless harvest. Are they just nocturnal with the pressure and the near by noise from waterfowlers on the lake, or is my blind spooking them before I see them and do I need to look at getting a climber? What are your guys' experience on pressured land with blinds and climbers? Thanks!
N

First, welcome to our forum! I would say there will be certain situations where one approach may be more advantageous over the other, which you will have to determine.

Pressured land, a few things come to mind. I definitely would not leave a blind overnight, although in an ideal situation it does help the deer become less wary of it over time. Also, you may consider making natural ground blinds. This way you don't have to carry a blind in/out each time. Also, if you make it good enough most hunters will walk right by it, and the deer will get to the point that they won't pay much attention to it.

Climbing stands definitely have their own advantages/disadvantages. From what you've written I would say that the pressure of other hunters has effected the deer's travel patterns to some degree. When it comes to pressured areas, I think the thicker a place you can focus on, the better. The deer most likely will usually retreat to thick security cover close to food/water.

For what it's worth, I've made the choice to hunt from natural ground blinds for the most part. In the event that I'm in a spot where I have to climb a tree I will be using The Guido's Web.
Sounds like you're on the right track, and have a good place to hunt. I don't know if this helps you any, but definitely keep us updated on your season. All the best- Dave

Thanks Dave! I guess I never thought of using a natural ground blind, makes perfect sense though. I will give it a try, at least until the temerature drives me back into a heated ground blind
N

sounds like a piece of public land I hunt in NY. swamps, lake for waterfowl, hills full of acorns, highway on the edge, shots blasting nearby with the waterfowl. I haven't had luck there but I did manage to see deer more than I see them further North. Just never got the right opportunity yet. I've been going further in to hard to reach spots and see great sign but less deer than on the areas near the road! I think those further in spots will be better in gun season where there is more pressure.

Couple issues Ive had with ground blinds are the lack of a decent field of view, definitely better view in a climber. Also is the heat, it gets down right hot in them down here. My partner has a couple and has issues drawing His bow in them, He is also 6'4. These would be the store bought blinds, I like a nice natural ground blind better, and tend to use my climber the most. Ultimately Id like to not use any of them, but I know Im a ways from that.

Something for you to consider if you decide to go up into the trees, the deer out in the swamps and tall grass will be able to see you from their beds if you climb too high. I have had a reasonable amount of success hunting near swamps by staying in the 8-12 foot range, just make sure you have some cover to break up your outline. Good luck and keep us posted.

I hunt from the ground and natural ground blinds are a great thing if you can find them near traffic areas. Deer and other wildlife are already used to them being there you just need to ensure that you have good coverage.

If you can, get in during scouting season and try and setup some natural blinds and leave them for the animals to get used to. Slip in before first light when season arrives and be patient. Good luck in your endeavor.

Iv never made a natural blind but it could be very useful on public land. With a pop up blind, you have to leave it or brush it in very well. That said I believe deer would notice something amiss if it isn't there constantly for them to get used to it . The big down side is the field of view. I love my climber but it can be a burden to get in and out .

If you are going to hunt from above a climber is a great way. Easy to take in and out. No worries of someone setting in your stand. On the ground I use natural ground blinds. Any stands or blinds left out on public ground in Kansas is fair game for anyone to use.

I prefer to use some sort of treestand weather it be my climber or my GW. I feel that makeing ground blinds on public land gives other hunters the advantage of a good spot without doing there own homework. I learned this the hard way of course, finding a hunter in my blind early one morning and not to mention a very good spot. He was there first so I backed out, but from now on it's my climber or GW .

I hunt from climbers mostly but there are certain times I will use a blind. I have a bungee blind that I set up on certain ridges that there are no trees for lock ons and climbers. I also use my doghouse blind when it is raining hard outside and I want to hunt.

I have used both,, don't climb anymore though.. I actually like both, and it depends on the situation... always wear a safety harness in a climber though!