How To Decide If A Box Blind Is Necessary

If you’ve ever hunted from a box blind, you know just how much of a game changer they are. Aside from escaping the elements, hunting box blinds offer several different benefits to help increase your odds in the field. With there being so many different brands on the market, and seemingly more by the day, the question is, how do you go about choosing the “right” one? It can be quite overwhelming when you start comparing brands and functionality. That’s what we are here for. Let’s dive in. 

First thing’s first: consider your needs. Unlike a hang-on tree stand, box blinds have a tendency to be more “permanent”. Although they can be moved, they aren’t exactly made for mobility. They are extremely beneficial in a high traffic area where your preferred game frequents. Food plots and field edges are a typical parking place for a box blind. Ask yourself why a hard sided blind would be beneficial. Do you:

• Want to stay out of the elements
• Rifle hunt
• Hunt with children 
• Need extra room
• Need/want an elevation advantage
• Scent control

If the answer to any of those points is a ‘yes,’ you should consider choosing a new box blind(or 3). They are such a great tool to have in your arsenal. If you can make it work, you’ll be glad you did! Keep reading and we will take you from start to finish in this process.

WHICH BLIND DO I CHOOSE?

Here comes the not-so-fun part if you are new to using box blinds. Comparison. Sometimes it seems like everything starts to run together and they all look the same. On the contrary, not all blinds are created equal, if you know what I mean. There are a handful of features to consider when making your choice. 

• How user friendly is assembly? 
  • How long does it take to assemble?
  • Will I need help putting it together?
  • Is there any additional content to help me along the way(Step by step guide?)
• Durability
  • What materials are the blinds made of
• How hunter-friendly are the window systems?
  • Opening system
  • Window material 
• Insulation
• Elevation systems compatible
• Accessories available 

One of the most common complaints we’ve seen throughout the years while testing out various blinds is assembly. More often than not, it’s not a pleasant experience, so finding one that is easy to assemble is key. No one wants to be putting together a huge blind in the heat of summer with 1,000 pieces to keep up with. Less is more. The next point of concern would definitely be durability. What materials make up the exterior? Remember, this is considered a “permanent” blind so it will very likely be living in the elements all year long through both extremes of heat and cold, rain, sleet, snow, hail and winds. Not to mention the sun. Make sure you choose something that will not fade in the sunshine exposure, and hold up in the most severe weather. Longevity of a blind is mostly due to what materials are used in the production of the blind. Another equally important feature that you must consider is the window system. What material is the window itself? Glass/plexi? Both have their pros and cons. Are the windows tinted?

The bigger question, however, is the opening system. Pay close attention to the locking mechanisms used for holding the windows in place. This seems like a small detail, but nothing will tick you off more than ridiculous window locks. When your target buck comes out, opening your window needs to be seamless, not a long drug-out, two-handed process. Insulation is a common desire for box blinds. Some are made pre-insulated and some come with kits. However, some blinds are seamless, meaning minimal cracks for air to seep in. This is another reason why comparison is so important. One main reason that folks purchase box blinds in the first place is for elevation. Not all blinds come with elevation systems but the majority are compatible. Durability and longevity are two factors to consider for seeking an elevation platform. Lastly, accessories. Most blinds come with accessories, but some are snazzier than others. Window shades, shelves, bow hangers, gun holders, scent control systems, etc. There are bountiful products out there to accessorize your blind.

Blind Placement

Some of the biggest head scratchers we’ve seen have been where some folks decide to drop these bad boys. Much like the consideration of choosing a tree stand location, the same thought should be in the forefront when placing your box blind. Access. Don’t throw your blind where you have to walk through your food plot to get in, thus dispersing your scent before you even set up for the hunt. Don’t chance spooking everything out of the field because you chose to walk all the way down the treeline before making the “elevation change”. Find your field openings and set your blind right in the mouth of that field. Make effective access trails that evade the food plots all together. Plant good buffers around your stands. Grasses like Switchgrass and Indian grass make great native screens around the bottom of your blind. Find the best place to set your blind with minimal disturbance and the best access.

Quest Picks

Coming from a team that’s basically tried and tested them all, you can trust us to be your credible source when it comes to choosing. Our top picks are as follows:

1.  Best Overall Quality: Grizzly Alpha Combo Hunting Blind

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Specs:

• USA-made
• 6’x6’, 8-sided
• rotomolded with flawless, one-piece, durable construction
• double gasket-sealed glass windows with friction-hinge system for silent, one-handed opening
• 3 (12″ W x 31″ H) windows & 5 vertical glass windows (31″ W x 12″ H)
• 6′ x 6′ (fits on a 6 ft trailer)

Available Accessory Add-Ons:

• Alpha Blackout Shade
• Approach Shelf
• Grizzly Powervent
• Grizzly Hunting Blind 8’ Tower Kit

2. Best Bang For Your Buck: Muddy Bull XL Steel Box Blind

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Specs:

• Steel wall construction
• Pre-installed magnetic strips on each window for Muddy’s universal curtain kit
• Therma-tech wall panel technology
• (4) 37″H x 7.25″W vertical and (3) 14.5″H x 28.25″W horizontal windows
• steel friction hinges on each vertical window

Available Accessory Add-Ons:

• Universal Box Blind Magnetic Curtain Kit
• Premium 10’ Tower Base W/ Gradual Staircase
• Box Blind Platform Sled

3. Best Sound & Scent Control: Hawk “The Office” Box Blind

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Specs:

• Steel surfaces 
• Insulated steel panels (R value of 7)
• Insulated powder coated steel floor (R value of 8)
• High density rubber pad for floor
• Residential glass windows

Don’t forget about the exclusive saving opportunities for box blind savings through your Quest Hunt Co. membership. Our pricing will beat the rest! If you are ready to pull the trigger on purchasing your new box blind, give us a call and let’s help you decide which blind is the right one for you and help you save!