November 11, 2010
By Mark Romanack
Hunting waterfowl without the benefit of a blind is like going fishing without a boat.
By Mark Romanack
Hunting waterfowl without the benefit of a blind is like going fishing without a boat. Sure, a conveniently located tree trunk or other natural cover is sometimes all a waterfowl hunter needs for concealment. But more often than not, some type of commercial blind or blind-making materials is necessary to hide from the ever-watchful eyes of ducks and geese.
Since I shot my first duck at age 12, I've come to the conclusion that waterfowl hunting is more fun when you set up an ambush and entice the birds in close. Blinds are a big part of the ruse, and for my money, the single most important piece of hunting equipment that makes waterfowling a social success. Even blinds built for one can be positioned near enough that everyone involved in the hunt is part of the party.
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Waterfowl hunting is exciting -- and it is even more satisfying when we share the experience. After all, it's not only the ducks and geese that make our hunting experiences enjoyable, but it is the people involved who help form lifelong memories in the field.
Cabela's manufactures numerous waterfowling blinds, including the Northern Flight Boat Blind . Designed in models suitable for boats from 14 to 18 feet long and beams up to 78 inches, they are fully adjustable. The sides and frame are made from a powder-coated steel, and the blind sets up using four pins in less than a minute. The frame clamps to the boat for quick removal at the end of duck season. Various covers are available, including marsh grass, prairie grass and die-cut camouflage in Seclusion 3D. The blind folds down in 30 seconds and can be strapped for secure transport on the highway.
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CONTACT : Cabela's, (800) 237-4444, www.cabelas.com
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Mud Buddy has a large selection of boat blinds. The Shaggy boat blind has become a favorite of serious hunters because it disappears in a wealth of environments, including river bottoms, cattail marshes, timber and even open water. The Shaggy blind consists of a mixture of cotton, polyester and burlap strips sewn to a tough polyester camouflage mesh background. Sold as a kit, the blind frame is galvanized tubing and includes stainless brackets and hardware. Designed to fit boats from 14 to 20 feet in length, the blind takes about two hours to assemble.
CONTACT : Mud Buddy, (801) 352-1458, www.mudbuddy.com
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Go-Devil is best known for mud motors, but they also make the Floating Duck Blind . The 16-foot long by 7-foot wide barge features a comfortable box blind that can be towed or powered by a mud motor. Designed to handle up to four hunters, the blind can float in just 4 inches of water even when fully loaded. The box blind accepts natural camouflage materials, has spud pipes for anchoring, includes navigation lights, a roll-down tarp to keep out wind and rain, plus a front and rear door for easy blind access. Accessories include a dog ladder, shelf for cook stove, galvanized trailer and the Go-Devil mud motor of your choice.
CONTACT : Go-Devil, (888) 490-3254, www.godevil.com
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War Eagle offers the Ducktoon pontoon blind. It is just short of 11 feet long and 9 feet wide, making it a stable platform for up to five hunters. The framework is camouflaged in your choice of seven licensed patterns. Also standard are sheets of Realgrass for covering the exterior surfaces. The Ducktoon can be powered with an electric motor or towed into position.
CONTACT :Outdoor DNA, (888) 880-0000, www.wareagleboats.com
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Gator-Tail produces the Quackhouse , a unique barge-style blind designed for up to three hunters. This lightweight blind can be carried by three hunters, yet still offers a full 6 feet by 10 feet of room to hunt in comfort. The low-profile design and all-aluminum construction allow hunters to use the blind in a variety of environments. Accessories including lockable cover, interior lights, bilge pump, flip top, gun holders and spud poles.
CONTACT : Gator-Tail, (337) 229-4864, www.gator-tail.com
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Hunter's Design doesn't make a blind that fits every boat. Instead, they produce custom duck blinds made to fit specific boats and framework. The blind covers are created from 1000 denier Cordura camouflage fabrics in a variety of patterns. You can take your boat to Hunter's Design and let them build the blind for you, or purchase frameworks and fabric to do the work yourself.
CONTACT : Hunter's Design, (812) 483-4750, www.huntersdesignblinds.com
