Layout Blinds for Waterfowl Hunting

Layout Blinds Pros and Cons for Waterfowl Hunting

During those years of hunting that marsh, we learned a lot about layout blinds. Including what we did and didn’t like about them.

Layout Blind Pros	Layout Blind Cons
Concealment	Bulky
Comfort	Limited to dry land
Interchangeable Camo	Hard to shoot from
Collapsible	Limited storage room
Wider viewing angles	Hard to enter/exit

Pros:

• Concealment:

Layout blinds can hide a hunter as well as, (maybe better than), any other blind option out there. Their low profile means you can set them up on bare ground instead of needing to find brush or other vegetation to hide in.

One thing that can flare birds quicker than anything is unnatural movement on the bank/water’s edge. A layout blind totally eliminates the chance ducks or geese would see a hunter’s movements because they provide a physical barrier between the hunter and the birds.

• Comfort:

I’ve hunted in permanent duck blinds that range in comfort from cardboard box to Ritz Carlton. While layout blinds aren’t the Ritz, they are designed for hunters to lay down in so you can stretch your legs.

Layout blinds are designed with a backrest inside them (think hospital bed). Most of these backrests are adjustable to fit the hunter’s height and the the angle they want to be positioned. This adjustability helps with comfort (so you don’t have to be stuck in the same position all day).

• Interchangeable Camo:

Most layout blinds come with some type of “straps” or clips on the outside to which you can attach brush/vegetation. This’s helpful if there’s something close by that you can cut down/pull out and secure to the blind.

One thing we learned we needed was some type of concealment cover to place over over our blinds. We made sure to bring multiple different patterned covers because:

• In case we decided to set up in a different area with different ground cover than we had originally planned on.
• We found it worked best if our blinds looked different from each other’s when viewed from the air. With 3 same colored “piles” on the bank, it could look suspicious to overhead flying ducks and geese.

One of our favorite layout blind covers is this one made by North Mountain Gear. They’re durable and more “3D” looking than other options we’ve seen. They also come in different patterns. Click on the image below to check out reviews and pricing on Amazon:

• Collapsible:

Layout blinds are big and bulky, but can be collapsed for storage and packing in and out of hunting spots. Although heavier than a marsh seat, a-frame blind, and other concealment options, layout blinds can be folded up and strapped on the hunter’s back for easier transport.

• Wider viewing angle:

Hunting out of traditional blinds usually allows waterfowlers to watch for ducks and geese from a limited angle of sight. A benefit of setting up in a layout blind is that, other than directly behind you, you’re able to see in every direction. This can help detect those birds that often go unnoticed when hunting with limited viewing angles.

Cons:

• Bulky:

Even though they can be folded up, the material makeup and size of layout blinds is still bulky and can be heavy to walk with to your hunting spot. They can also we hard to lift in and out of vehicles and take up a lot of room when transporting/storing.

• Limited to dry land:

Layout blinds offer many options for setup location, but only if it’s on dry land. Even a small amount of standing water or sticky mud will cause issues when packing up and hauling out.

• Hard to shoot from:

When shooting from a layout blind, you must pull yourself up into a sitting position (like doing a sit up in gym class) and shoot from the ground. You might not believe it, but this is VERY different than shooting from standing up/sitting on a chair or stool.

Another aspect that makes it harder to shoot out of them is the process of getting your gun up. While you’re in the blind, your shotgun’s sitting either right beside you or on the ground nearby.

In order to shoulder your gun, you have to open the blind’s flaps with your hands, sit up into position, and pick up/shoulder the gun. Since this usually requires you to look at something other than the ducks for a brief second, you then have to reevaluate which bird to shoot at and how far to lead them by. Often times when you open the flaps, the ducks begin to immediately backpedal/flay away, so all the steps must be done very quickly and it’s easy to rush things.

• Limited storage room:

While layout blinds can fit more than just a hunter inside them, the spare room isn’t much. Most of them have room for a blind bag and maybe a snack, but anything more makes it pretty crowded. Also, the way you’re positioned in the blind makes access to the “stuff” laying beside you very awkward.

• Hard to get in and out of:

Referring to entering and exiting a layout blind as difficult is an understatement, especially if you’re wearing waders and/or heavy clothing. This can become a real nuisance when getting out to stretch your legs, rearrange decoys, or answer the call of nature.

Our Favorite Layout Blinds

Below you will find our favorite layout blinds. By clicking on the image, you can check out Amazon pricing and reviews:

When and where to use a layout blind:

Layout blinds would be good if:

• You’re hunting dry fields with limited access to nearby cover
• The water you’re hunting is butted up next to dry land
• You have enough storage in you’re vehicle to haul the layout blinds within a short walking distance to where you’ll set up
• You’re hunting stale birds that seem to be “blind shy”

When not to use a layout blind:

There’re better options than layout blinds if:

• You need to walk long distances to your hunting spot. A better alternative in this situation would be a marsh seat.
• The ducks or geese you’re hunting are working the middle of the pool vs. the edges. Once again, the better alternative would be a marsh seat.
• Physically it’s hard for you to get up and down from the ground repeatedly throughout the hunt. In this instance, a better alternative would be an A-Frame blind.

Tips for using a layout blind:

• “Mud” them down before using (see the video below). This hides the shine that the blind’s material gives off.

• Carry several different pattern options to cover your blind with. Click on the images below to check out Amazon reviews and pricing for one of our favorites:

• Make sure it’s completely dry before putting it away. Moisture can cause mildew and rot very quickly

Are layout blinds good for waterfowl hunting?

Layout blinds are an effective option for waterfowl hunters who want to keep a low profile while hunting from dry ground. They’re available in different sizes and camouflage patterns to fit various hunting situations.

They can however be challenging to get in and out of, and are heavy and bulky when walking long distances, and are difficult to shoot out of.

We hope this pros and cons comparison has been helpful. If you would like to receive waterfowl migration updates, as well as other articles like this, please visit our sign up page.

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