Ground Blind Versus Run & Gun Turkeys

There are certain people who are all one way or all the another way when it comes to turkey hunting. When I say this, I mean the style in which they prefer to chase turkeys. I’ve spent countless hours and days in blinds.

While it can get boring, I’d say there are some significant pros and cons for both styles that you should take into consideration before deciding how to hunt on your property. First, when it comes to blind hunting there are some significant benefits:

1. Conceal Movement- The first being a turkey can pick you off easily with even the slightest movement. Blinds hide almost all of this. The black inside allows you to move as needed to get in position because we all know turkeys never come in exactly how they are suppose to!

   

2. Bring another hunter- Another benefit here is if you have kids or someone else sitting with you, it’s easy for them to watch and be a part of the action.
3. Catch up on Zz’s- One huge bonus when using a blind is the turkey hunting hours can get downright tiring. Up early, hunt all day, and back up super early. So…if you happen to be hunting with another person, naps are always a possibility. While one person watches the other can catch up their sleep so you don’t get so exhausted.

   

4. Watch the Show- Probably my favorite part about blind hunting is the ability to watch the turkeys put on a show before you take the shot. I’ve had gobblers standing on my decoys, spinning them in circles, beating up my jake decoy with their wings, spurring them, it’s crazy what you see! I’ve also got so caught up in watching this that I’ve let turkeys go, but I really enjoy watching the interaction. When you’re run & gun hunting, you usually take the shot the second you get it. In a blind, you may get minutes of action before taking the shot and this can make a big difference in the amount of fun a new hunter has…so keep this in mind.

   

As far as run & gun hunting you will also find many pros and cons:

1. Ability to Relocate- Even though you may think you’re in the perfect place, turkeys are unpredictable at times. One of the biggest benefits with run & gun hunting is the fact that you can quickly get up and reposition. This can significantly improve your success.
2. Excitement- Knowing that you are literally eye to eye with a turkey sometimes inside of 10-yards is downright exciting. You don’t have anything between you and the bird. The drumming, gobbling, spitting…it’s all right in your face. It’s pretty exhilarating to have everything come together right in your lap – that’s a huge benefit to run & gun hunting.
3. Calling- If you have two people calling, it’s easier to setup without a blind and position a caller behind you with hopes of bringing the turkey right past you. With this type of setup you better be ready because you may have a gobbler right in your lap!

   

So, really, pros and pros to both hunting from inside a ground blind and getting out, busting the turf and chasing old tom turkey. Either way, there is not much that replaces the exhilaration of hunting a spring boss gobbler.