Duck Hunting >> Duck Hunting Tips

A duck blind is a camouflaged structure that is built by hunters in order to conceal themselves when they are hunting ducks. A blind isn’t a must as there are other options a hunter might consider choosing, such as: hunting in a boat, wading into flooded woods and others as well. But from all options, hunters prefer using blinds because this is a cold weather activity and using a blind will keep you dry and warm.

Building a functional duck blind isn’t very hard, just follow these simple instructions and in no time you will have a fully functional duck blind.

Here are the materials and tools you will be needing:

* Miter saw
* Jig saw
* Circular saw
* Cordless drill with screwdriver attachment
* Nails
* 3-inch galvanized screws

Plan ahead the dimensions of the blind you will be building then afterwards select and pre cut your lumber to the desired measurings.

Next you should select and pre cut the plywood for the floors and walls, keeping in mind the dimensions you have calculated in the first place.

Here are the steps you must follow:

The first thing to do is to create a sub-floor with 2×6s. You should lay out two 8-foot lengths and nail them to the other remaining 2×6 joists. Remember to space them about 16 inches on center.

Next, you need to install the 5/8 inch plywood over the sub-floor in order to form the blind’s floor ( just like in the picture ). The holes are pre cut in every corner of the plywood floor piece in order to accommodate the 4×4 posts which you will be installing on the next step.

Galvanized screws should be used in order to secure the plywood floor to each joist in the sub-floor ( just like in the picture ).

The next thing you must do is to install the 4×4 posts into the pre cut squares. The posts are the supports for the roof and the walls. You should secure them by using 3 inch nails ( it should look just about the same as it does in the picture ).

The 4×4 posts are staggered in height in order to support a sloping roof. The 2 front posts should be about 43 inches in length, the 2 in the back should be about 48 inches. The posts in the back should be cut at the top end with a 25 degree angle cut in order to set the angle for the sloping roof. The angled cuts are made by using a miter saw.

Once you have completed these steps you need to frame the blind’s structure by using 2×4s. You should start by running an 85 inch 2×4 from the right-rear’s post top to the top of the left rear. You should secure it by using 3-inch screws on the 2×4’s each side.

Connect the left rear 4×4 to the left front 4×4 with a 48 inch 2×4 by using 3 inch screws. You must fasten the 2×4 to the front beam’s top. If the 2×4 is level it will connect to the rear post 43 inches above the blind’s floor.

3 inch screws should be used in order to secure the bottom and top of every 2×4, it will increase the stability too.

Once you have completed this step, you need to connect the 2 front posts with another 85 inch 2×4. It just look similar to the one in the above picture.

By positioning a 53 inch piece of 2×4 midway across the beams’ side-support you will install the left roof-support. The 2×4’s top should be cut down with a 25 degree angle. You will also install a roof support on the right side but the 2×4 on this side doesn’t run from the back post to the front one in comparison to the left one. You should create a doorway on the right side by running a 21 inch length of 2×4 from the back post to the blind’s roof support.

Just like in the picture, connect the two roof supports with another 2×4 in order to complete the framing of the blind.

Now is time to install the walls. To do so you must attach the pre-cut plywood sheets to the back section ( check the picture ), 2 side sections and the front.

After installing the walls you need to install the roof. The roof is made from 96 inch / 36 inch sheet of plywood. You must lay the plywood atop the angle cut supports, just like in the picture.

In order to secure the roof you must use galvanized screws. Once you have completed all these steps your blind is complete and it should look like the one in the picture.

Now it is time to cover the openings by using camouflage mesh and by cutting shooting slits in the mesh. The blind should be painted with a flat and dull paint ( olive drab or brown ) in order to match the surroundings.

All in all, building a duck blind isn’t a very difficult thing to do but it takes time and attention in order to do it right but we assure you that if you follow these steps, you will have a fully functional duck blind that you will use in your next duck hunting adventure.