Waterfowl Hunting with an A-Frame Blind

Advantages of using an A-frame blind

Disadvantages of using an A-frame blind

Hunting setups with an A-frame blind

A-frame blinds vs. layout blinds

For years my father, brothers, and I hunted out of mesh, layout, and even makeshift blinds. We loved the different setups we had. Until we started using an A-frame style blind. We could sit upright, the rain didn’t go up our nose, and we were able to stay hidden. Needless to say, we started taking the A-frame with us anywhere we hunted, and have had great results shooting ducks and geese out of it.

What is an A-Frame Blind?

A-Frame blinds are used to hunt ducks and geese from the water’s edge, in the water, or in a field. This style of blind conceals hunters, creates comfortability, and has a lightweight structure. They also allow hunters to be adaptable to their surroundings when it comes to using natural vegetation to camouflage.

These blinds have become popular among hunters across all landscapes. However, some hunters believe the cons outweigh the pros. This article informs hunters of the advantages and disadvantages to using an A-frame blind, and displays strategies that have proven successful when using one.

Advantages of Using an A-Frame Blind

Hunters enjoy hunting from an A-frame blind because gear can be stored and heaters keep hunters warm all while staying hidden. Hunters also enjoy hunting from these blinds because 2-8 hunters can hunt among one another, depending on how many blinds are being used. Below are advantages to using an A-frame blind:

• Comfortability

• Standing while you shoot
• Safety for hunters and dogs
• Adaptability

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Disadvantages of Using an A-Frame Blind

While many hunters use A-frame blinds to hunt ducks and geese, many hunters do not. Hunters that do not use them believe they stick out, take up space, and flare ducks and geese before they get to the decoys. Also, some hunters believe they only work in certain circumstances. Listed below are disadvantages to using an A-frame blind:

• High profile

• Storing the blind
• The “black hole” when birds fly over the blind

Hunting Setups with an A-Frame Blind

Edge of water source:

A-frame blinds are effective on the edge of a water source because hunters are able to disguise them as natural vegetation. Whether hunters hunt next to a cattle pond or a swamp, making the blind look natural is key when hunting ducks and geese. Cattails and tall grasses are great sources of natural vegetation to put on your A-frame blind when hunting next to a water source.

Spinning wing decoys: Do hunters still use them?

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Fields:

Hunting in a field with an A-frame blind is difficult because it is high profile and noticeable to waterfowl. When hunting ducks or geese in a field, setting your decoys 15-20 yards in front of you works best. Since it is high profile, keeping the birds working over the decoys instead of the blind keeps them from flaring away from your setup. Using stubble from a field is the camouflage you should use for your blind in this type of setup. Also, hunting next to a grass patch or along a tree line conceals hunters when hunting in a field.

In the water:

Hunting from an A-frame blind in shallow water where natural vegetation is present is effective for ducks and geese. Spreading decoys around the blind and disguising it as vegetation in the marsh makes it less noticeable. Using this blind in 1-2 feet of water is optimal for hunters who are willing to hunt ducks from the middle of a shallow marsh. Sitting down, bringing extra gear, and bringing a dog are all challenges when hunting in the water with this style of blind.

A-Frame Blinds vs. Layout Blinds:

A-Frame and layout blinds are both effective for hunting ducks and geese. Hunters believe there are situations where each type is most effective, but ideas differ depending on the group you hunt with. The table below describes when you should use each blind:

A-frame	Layout
When natural vegetation is present	When natural vegetation is sparse
Hunting with a large party	Hunting with 1-2 people
When hunting with a dog	When hunting with a dog
New or young hunters	More experienced hunters
Pressured or unpressured birds	Pressured or unpressured birds

A-frame and layout blinds also differ when comparing them outside of hunting. A-frames are bulky and take up space in a garage or enclosed trailer. Also, putting them together before the hunt, bringing enough chairs for each hunter, and putting enough camouflage on the blind are all things to consider.

Layouts require less storage space and are easier to put together before a hunt. Also, hunters can oftentimes strap a layout to their back when carrying their equipment. Layouts require less camouflage, but do not look as natural when compared to an A-frame blind.

Another alternative to A-frames and layout blinds are marsh seats.

Marsh Seats for Duck Hunting: A Pros and Cons Review

Find the Ducks!

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