Archery Basics

Camouflage and Blinds

Camouflage, headnets and face paint should serve
to break up the human outline and hide human
colors, but never restrict movement or visibility

Ground blinds (wood or brush) should allow you to hide while giving the most visibility, to make sure your shots are safe and effective

Locate blinds 15-20 yards off game trails to avoid detection
Contoured edges and curves blend better than square edges
Avoid cutting "live" material. It not only denudes the forest, but green material will quickly brown
Make the blind big enough to cover your form and movement
Set up blinds at higher elevations than where you expect to see game animals
Pit blinds are illegal in some areas. If you dig a pit blind, restore it when you are finished hunting
Construct your blind so no part of the bow or arrow comes in contact with it while you are shooting

Completely camouflage yourself - look for any
telltale clothing, jewelry or skin showing through
Never give the signal that you are game:
- Never wear or carry anything that is the
same color as the animal you're hunting
- Wear orange or another bright, unnatural
color, while approaching and leaving
your hunt area
- Put some bright cloth or tape on your
animal while field dressing it or carrying
- Never make the call of the animal being
hunted (tom turkey, buck deer) when
there are other hunters in the area
- When another hunter approaches, call
out in a normal voice to let him or her
know you are there. Don't shout or
whistle, and never make an animal call
- Make sure you can see clearly in all
directions so you can see approaching
people or game, or make sure you are
protected in any blind spots
- Be sure of your shot, clearly identify your
target and make sure the shot is
clear and safe