Building a Blind

[B. Jenkins]

Guys,

I am working on building a permanent blind and I was wondering if anyone knew of any websites where I could view different plans of blinds. I tried searching for some info but couldn't really find what I was looking for. I'm looking for some drawings that I could work off of. Any help would be appreciated

Brian Jenkins

[DDawg]

Brian,
What type of blind? Above ground, in ground, stilt blind above water?
I dodn't know of any sites, but I'm sure someone can give you ideas on blinds if we know what you're building.
I build my own floaters, & one of them could have a few mods made, to make a basic stilt blind.
Dave

[Brett Buss]

Brian,

I tried to do search on WildFowl, in every issue they have a boat & blind section. I could not find much on there site, but I'm sure that someone here will be able to help you out. It might be helpful if we know what style of blind that you are looking to build. Possibly check some of the other Waterfowl site's as well.

Good Luck and Good Hunting

[Bryan Wilkes]

Brian, Brett eluded to the Wildfowl column. Chuck Lichon who writes the Boats and Blinds column has published a book containing all of best blinds that were in the articles. I have personaly looked through the book and it is a great resource. Look for it in a bookstore or better yet, off the internet. Amazon.com comes to mind

[B. Jenkins]

Guys,

Our plans are to build an above ground blind out of wood, and it's gonna be located on the side of a levee. The plans are to have a floor similar to a deck on the back of your house about 8 foot wide, and having a tin roof and sides, then in the spring we will sew some grass on the roof to make it look like part of the levee.

Brian Jenkins

[DDawg]

Brian,
In that case, the basic design of my floater will work.
I use light guage metal studs(common here in Ca.), & plywood.
The metal studs are easy to work with in the field, & can be used in pretty much any configuration wood can, with the advantage of not rotting out as fast.
A couple pairs of snips, or a chop saw, & a cordless drill, are all you need to put it together. You can even build panels at home, then screw it together at the site.
I'll take a few pics when I'm at my blind in the morning.
Dave

[Bob "Chappy" Chaplin]

Try this link, its a bunch of pic's that were taken of a blind a buddy of mine made, I can try too see if he has plans for it if you like it.
Just let me know.

http://www.ohiowaterfowler.com/READERSRIGS-KENBLIND.html

[DDawg]

Brian,
Wish I'd taken pics as I was building, so you could see the process, but didn't.
This will show you the basic joints used with the metal stud framing.
I like the metal studs. They last longer, are easy to use, lighter, & cheaper than wood.
This blind is 4'X 4'X 12', with 3 shoot holes. I've built blinds up to 18' using this same construction. Because this is a floater, you might notice the base that is wider. That is constructed of heavy guage studs(to withstand the nasty water), & has styrofoam pannels in it.
The basic shoot box, should work for your aplication, & you could slope the sides, top, etc. if you wanted.

Here's some top corner joints. The studs are all on 2' centers, & I use the angle to keep the plywood from warping.
http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/173blind_006.jpg

Here's a shot of the shoot hole framing(22-1/2X 22-1/2)
http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/173blind_007.jpg

Here's roof framing & heading for the shoot holes.
http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/173blind_008.jpg

Here's a couple of different ways I did the floor joist. The floor in this blind is raised 6" for more flotation.
http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/173blind_009.jpg
http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/173blind_010.jpg

Here's a couple of finished shots after brushing it out, & on the water.
We use eucalyptus, because it doesn't lose it's leaves when it dies. It's also readily available.
http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/173blind_003.jpg
http://www.yourfishpictures.com/data/500/173WaterSpread1.jpg

Hope this helps a bit.
Dave