What Are The Best Elevated Hunting Blinds?
If you have ever been to hunting, you know how vital covers can get. In the wild, there is no guarantee of getting the perfect cover. But, why look for cover if you can bring it with you.
That’s where hunting blinds come in. You could set it up anywhere for optimal cover. They significantly reduce your chance of detection. With elevated hunting blinds, you will have a line of sight over a large area. As a result, your chance of success will see a huge improvement.
We have made a shortlist of the best elevated hunting blinds. They are all proven and tested. We have hand-picked them for you so that your precious time could be spent on other preparations.
Take a look at the Best Elevated Hunting Blinds at a Glance:
- Best Overall: Texas Hunter 4’x4′ Deer Hunting Blind
4-foot Powder-coated Steel Tower, Starboard XL Marine Siding, Unobstructed 360Β° View, Quiet Sliding Door
Vacuum-Formed Plastic Construction, Easy to assemble, never need painting, Lockable Door, Lightweight material
- Best Budget: Guide Gear 2-Man Tower Hunting Blind
Weatherproof, scent-free, 12′ high, chair mount, good for 2 persons
- Best Height: Big Dog Hunting Guard Tower 2 Person Quadpod
Two Man 14′ Quad Pod, Non-skid, and full steel mesh platform Meets ASTM standards
- Other Consideration: Guide Gear 10′ Elevated Hunting Platform
Table of Contents
What Is Elevated Hunting Blind?
There are a few types of hunting blinds available in the market. The elevated hunting blinds are one of them. As the name suggests, these structures are elevated. These blinds are usually put on rigid structures.
The rigid structure that holds the blind are made in many different ways. Some are constructed like a frame; some are made with extra supports for safety. For climbing up, there is usually a ladder or rope in place.
Most of the time, elevated blinds are made of hard materials like wood, thin metal and etc. Plastic, polythene like substances are also used as the sheet. These can vary from a simple cube structure to made of steel with many features.
Why Should You Buy An Elevated Hunting Blind?
All hunting lines provide the primary protection from the environment, elevated ones do so too. On top of that, high hunting blinds can offer some useful features that others cannot.
These hunting blinds come with an extra layer of safety with their height. They are structurally sound and rigid for animals to climb onto.
These kinds of hunting blinds are rigid and permanent structures. They tend to stand still even in the harshest of environments. Also, the animals in the area will get comfortable with the blind’s presence and no longer receive it as a threat.
They also conceal your movement and makes you less visible. So you will have a greater chance of success. The height helps to mitigate your scent by a few degrees.
Best Elevated Hunting Blinds: Our Honest Review
1. Best Overall: Texas Hunter 4’x4′ Deer Hunting Blind
We chose this because it is strongly built with solid materials. Besides, the most significant benefit you will have is that it will last for many years. You would not have to spend for another for a long time once you get it. It is one of the best rated elevated deer blinds.
It comes with many great features. The area inside is 4ft x 4ft, and the height is 6ft 3 inches. So, no matter your physique, you will be comfortable inside.
The roof is galvanized as one piece. As a result, no element can get out or get in. Any sort of air, water, or anything would not be able to pass through it. So you won’t be bothered in any way.
The corner frames are made of rust-resistant aluminum, and the floor is powder-coated steel. For these reasons, rust and corrosion will be the least of your worries. Therefore, you can use it as you want in all kinds of weather.
Deer have very sharp hearing, smell, and sight. This blind has silent sliding doors and windows. So, you will be able to move, making the minimum sound. Due to the shooting ports on all four sides, you have great flexibility and versatility to shoot down the prey.
π Pros:
- Shooting port on all side
- Galvanized roof
- Hidden windows
- Spacious interior
- 360-degree view
- Quiet sliding door
π Cons:
- Costly
- Not suitable for cold climate
2. Runner-up: Hughes HP-67001 Box Blind & HP-67058 5′-8′ Adjustable Tower
It is a very lightweight and durable hunting blind. You are likely to get the most benefit from its lightweight build. It is easy to move around the hunting ground for better positioning.
This durable elevated hunting blind has enough space inside for two people. So, one can be a shooter; another can be an observer for a better chance of success. If you like to partner up when hunting, this blind will be greatly helpful.
It is very lightweight as the main ingredient is plastic. Therefore, the blind is very easy to move. If it feels like the placement is not great, then it can be easily moved to a better place.
The doors are lockable. It gives you enough security, even from intelligent animals like monkeys. Also, this hunting blind does not need painting or any maintenance. So, you will be saving the maintenance fee for the long run.
Another great thing is that the height is adjustable. You could easily put the level it with the trees around. It gives you a better advantage when concealing the blind in the woods.
π Pros:
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Plenty of room
- Needs no maintenance
- Made of vacuum-formed plastic
- can be used as a ground or elevated blind
π Cons:
- Hard to assemble
- Prone to cracking under excessive pressure
3. Best Budget: Guide Gear 2-Man Tower Hunting Blind
We put it on our list because it fulfills all basics needs for hunting blind for a minimum price. You will be saving money and get a good experience with this hunting blind. This affordable elevated hunting blind will not disappoint you.
The best feature of this hunting blind is full concealment and scent control. As deer have excellent senses, staying hidden and covering the scent will improve your chances of success.
This tool is also weather-resistant. Rainy or dry weather would not matter to your hunting adventure. With its excellent camouflage, you could very easily conceal yourself in the wild.
The inside is very well built, and the four windows are zippered with leak protection. You will feel comfortable in all kinds of weather, especially in wet and windy weather.
The steel frame keeps it sturdy and robust. It can take a substantial amount of abuse. You will not have to worry about it breaking down.
π Pros:
- Affordable price
- weatherproof
- scent control
- Chair mount
- easy to install
π Cons:
- The roof does not stay tight
- Stand corners are easily torn
4. Best Height: Big Dog Hunting Guard Tower 2 Person Quadpod
It has made the place on our list due to its great height and the comfortable setup it provides.
It offers the maximum height among the blinds in this list. Even if there are tall trees on the hunting ground, you will be able to get comfortable positions. This dramatically improves your success rate.
There are two seats built-in. Not only that, the seats can be mounted in different locations. There are padded armrests on the seats to provide extra comfort. So the overall waiting period will be very comfortable.
It can support an incredible amount of weight. Also, this hunting blind can support up to 500 lbs. The weight capacity is more than enough for multiple people.
The pinned ladder can be managed very well. Also, the overall build is excellent. You will be getting a very safe blind to hunt with.
π Pros:
- Durable steel construction
- Built-in seats with multiple mounts
- 500 lbs. weight capacity
- Independent swivel seat
- Multiple seats mounting location
- Full camo enclosure
π Cons:
- Not suitable for soft soil
- Does not provide a 360-degree view
5. Other Consideration: Guide Gear 10′ Elevated Hunting Platform
It is an excellent platform if you need to keep an eye around the area. You can set up a temporary or permanent blind that will conceal you from the environment.
Its 20-inch x 20-inch trapdoor is very ergonomic and keeps away any intruders. You can fit all the essentials you will need throughout the day. Its powder-coated steel can withstand use and abuse through all seasons.
The platform is 4ft x 4ft in area. It provides great room for setting up comfortably. The steps have handrails attached for easier climbing. It can be raised up to 10 feet and support 500 lbs of weight.
But you will have to sacrifice a few things. For a starter, the instructions are not well described. The ladder is a bit flimsy. It will be hard for more than one person to get comfortable in it.
What To Consider Before Buying The Best Elevated Hunting Blinds?
For the best chance of success, you need to choose the best one you might ask. Here are the things you should take a look at when buying.
Build Material
Building material is the most significant factor at play. As these blinds are really moved, the material has to endure the harsh wild environment. For this reason, you should take an in-depth look at the materials.
For example, high-grade stainless steel will last for many years, while iron tends to get rusty after a few years.
Design
You should pick a design depending on the wild environment. Picking the right design is crucial for stability. Thoroughly examine the ground before choosing the design and setting up. The area with soft soil needs to be treated differently than hard soil.
It is recommended to use blinds with four stands as they give maximum stability. But your judgment and preference come before that.
Scent Blocking
Animals are very good at detecting scent. When buying hunting blinds, it is an essential factor that is often forgotten. Hunting blinds that can block odor will give you an edge on the field.
For example, deer can smell the scent from very far away. You will not have much luck if they detect your presence through the smell. Depending on the animal, it is better to invest in a scent blocking hunting blind.
Space
Choose space, depending on your hunting style. Some are made for the solo hunter; some offer enough space for 3-4 people.
So, depending on your requirement, you should consider the space. However, we would suggest picking one that has room for at least two people. Even if you are going solo, a little more space can give you extra comfort in the wild.
Camouflage
When choosing disguise, keep the hunting ground in mind. It should match the environment. Otherwise, you see the reverse effect as the animals will be able to detect your blind easily. Make sure the primary color of the blind and environment match well.
If you put a desert camo in the jungle, it will be visible from a long distance, and vice versa. That is why matching camouflage is essential.
Window and Doors
They play a significant role in the way you interact with the environment. It is better to have windows placed in a way you could get a full 360-degree view. These types of blind well improve your situational awareness.
So, make sure your hunting blind gives you full view all around the area.
Water Resistance
It always won’t be sunny in the wild. There could be rain anytime without any warning. Water-resistance could be the difference between packing home or keep waiting for the prey.
Water-resistant material will not only save you from getting wet but also help you to keep other instruments safe from water.
Safety
Depending on your hunting ground, there could be several predators in the area. You will always need to look out from mosquitoes to bears and everything in between. That is why safety is of utmost importance.
You should get the one that provides the maximum safety features.
What Are Some Tips and Tricks for Elevated Hunting Blind?
Let’s take a look at some tips and tricks to improve the chances.
- At first, do thorough scouting before deploying the blind. There is no point in sitting for hours if prey does not come close.
- Always set up in advance. Even if it is long before the sunrise. In this way, animals won’t notice the anomaly in the environment.
- When hunting deers, deploy the blind in the open or in keep entirely hidden. Deers tend to run away when they are surprised. So, let them get comfortable with it or keep it completely hidden.
- Decoy animals work great, especially for ducks and deers. Pack animals often get curious seeing another fellow. It helps to divert their focus away from the blind.
- Limit opening and closing window to a minimum. In case the smell goes out or they take notice of your movement, you will be at a severe disadvantage.
- Choose your arm carefully. Bow and arrow rifles are the most popular choice. However, they each have their advantage and disadvantage.
Should I Choose Rifle or Bow for Hunting in An Elevated Blind?
Now we tackle the never-ending debate of bow and rifle. Here are some of the things to consider.
Cost: You will get a decent rifle or a bow for 500 to 700 dollars. If you want to leap from decent to professional, the bow will cost much higher than the gun. But rifle has a more recurring cost. You will need to buy bullets and stuff. If used with caution, you will not have to spend much buying arrows.
Learning Curve: Bow and arrow have a very steep learning curve. On the other hand, learning to shoot with a rifle is much more comfortable. Mastering a bow takes a long time.
Range: With the rifle, you can take down the target as far as much 300 yards away. On the other hand, the bow will have a range of 40 to 60 yards. This means you will need to go much closer to the target. If not careful, the target can get easily spooked.
Maintenance: A rifle needs more maintenance and attention than a bow. Because rifles have more moving parts inside them. Bows are build using simple mechanisms. That is why they require much less maintenance attention.
Personal Preference: This is the most critical point. You should follow your instincts when hunting. It doesn’t matter rifle or bow; what matters is if you are utilizing it and comfortable with it.
What Are Some Safety Considerations for Elevated Hunting Blinds?
Safety should be an immediate and foremost concern when going into hunting. Danger can come from any direction at any time. That is why safety regulations must be strictly followed. Let’s take a look at feel safety procedures.
- Communication is essential. Always keep communication devices close and maintained constant contact with the outside world.
- Study the area thoroughly. You will get some ideas about what you might have to face. Such as if there are snakes in the site or any presence of a bear. Then you can take counter steps.
- Always go hunting with the medic-aid box. Also, make sure it is fully equipped. In the worst-case scenario, it can be the difference between life and death.
- Maintain the firearm safety rules at all cost. Most of the accidents happen during hunt due to accidental discharge.
- Most of all, beware of your surroundings. Because prevention is always better than cure. A little situational awareness can save you from an injury of a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you put an elevated deer blind up?
Follow the instructions because different blind follows different mechanisms.
How tall should a deer blind be?
5 to 10 feet is the optimal height.
Do Ground blinds spook deer?
If they get suspicious scent or see any movements that might spook them.
Can deer smell you in a blind?
Yes, they can smell you in a blind.
Is leaving the hunting blind in the field OK?
If the blind is weather-resistant, then it is OK.
Conclusion
For the best hunting experience, you will need the best-elevated hunting blinds. They can be the difference between coming home with something or empty-handed. As you will need to spend hours on this, so it’s better to pick the best one possible.
That is why we did the elevated hunting blinds reviews. So that you can spend your time preparing for the hunt. Pick the one that suits you and see what you can come home with.