Pick Your Spot

How to Choose the Ideal Location for Your Deer Blind

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You might own the best blind in the world, but it won’t matter if it’s in the wrong spot. For whitetail hunting in Ohio and the surrounding region, where terrain, weather and deer pressure all play big roles, location matters more than ever.

Start with herd movement and entry/exit routes. Scouting should reveal where deer bed, feed and travel. In many parts of the Midwest and Northeast, deer funnel through drainages, hedgerows, creek bottoms or wooded ridges. One expert article puts it this way: “Location, location, location” is the core to any good setup.   So map your property, mark trails, look for rubs and scrapes — and pick a spot that gives you access but doesn’t signal your presence.

Evaluate terrain, wind and approach. The article “Spook Proof Deer Blind Location Strategies” points out that blinds placed poorly (even by a few yards) can blow the season before it even begins.   Keep your blind downwind of major bedding areas or travel routes. Make sure deer aren’t getting downwind of you entering or exiting. And consider the rise and fall of terrain: a slight depression or a bluff behind you helps lower your profile and hide your movement. 

Prepare your site for safe, silent logistics. Clear an ATV-wide path so the delivery and installation go smoothly. Trim brush that obstructs your view or will encroach on the window sightlines. Make sure the ground is relatively level, but if you’re hunting sloped land (typical in parts of Ohio), find a spot with a slight incline behind you so deer aren’t getting above you. Also consider overhead clearance — you want full height for the blind and a safe access route even when snow or leaves accumulate.

Think season by season. A location that works in early season may not in the late rut or late season when deer shift. If you install your blind ahead of time, you’ll also start gathering intel on deer traffic through trail cameras or sitting quietly. One article emphasizes setting the blind up well in advance to allow deer to get used to it. 

Bring it all together. When you’ve got the right spot, then your blind becomes a tool instead of a guess. Choose with purpose: think wind, cover, terrain, approach and future use. With a well-chosen site and a quality blind, you’ll maximize comfort, minimize spook factor, and set yourself up for consistent opportunity.