Choosing a Shadow Hunter Blind: A How-To

By: Kat Ainsworth Stevens

If you want a box blind—and trust me, you do—there’s more to it than blindly pointing andpurchasing.You’re going to want a high-quality design from a reliable manufacturer, and it needs to have the space and features yourequire (and then some). Years of hunting out of various brands of ground and elevated box blindshas given me the opportunity to figure out what works and whatdoesn’t. Take the guesswork out of choosing your hunting blind by following a feweasy steps. 

What’s a Shadow Hunter box blind? 

Box blinds are hard-sided, upright hunting blinds that most hunters consider semi-permanent structures.It’s possible to move them, but it takes some effort. Shadow Hunter’s box blinds take things a step further by added a fantastic array of features inside the blind. More on that in a minute. 

There’s also more than one type ofbox blind. This style of blind can sit at ground level or be elevated on a stand with an attached ladder. Overall size varies from 4’x6’ models that are ideal for small spaces and one or two hunters to the 6’x8’ wheelchair-friendly design. 

In addition to boxblinds there are pop-up styles designed to be set up and taken down quickly and easily. Pop-ups like theSummit Outdoors’  GhostBlind mirrored ground blinds are a different take on the traditional four-sided pop-up. The  GhostblindPhantom’s  six panels stand upright to form an angled arc you can sit behind, leaving the back sidetotally open. A big plus of that style is its portability and how well it blends into the foliage, the latter of which is perfect for both turkey and deer season. 

How do you choose a box blind? 

The first thing to consider whenyou’re choosing abox blindisn’t how big you want it to be but whereyou’re going to place it. Ifyou’re hunting in the woods and have a limited amount of space to place a blind,you’ll need to take some measurements and consider clearing trees.Also, make sure you have the space to move the blind out there. No space? You couldopen up your shooting lanes to accommodate a vehicle.It’sdefinitely worththework for the features box blinds have to offer. 

Now that you know where—and how—you’re going to set it up,decided how spaciousyou’d like it to be.It’s easy to say your Shadow Hunter box blind only needs to be large enough for you andmaybe one friend, butit’s smart to look to the future.Additional space is neverabad thing, and people get injuries—yourself included—making checking out the wheelchair-friendly modela good idea. When choosing a size, remember to factor in things like chairs, maneuvering rifles or bows, and anyadditional gear you might lug with you like a heater, backpack, or drag sled. Always err on the side of greater space. The sizes currently offered include: 

Before you make the final decision on blind size, stop and look at the features.All Shadow Hunter blinds are made from durable, rustproof aluminum and feature a camo pattern exterior designed to blend into any and all regions (and yes, it works). However, features like the size and number of windows and shelvesmight vary. Whenyou’re checking out the window options, consider these things: 

Finally,you’ll want to choose the box blind’s base, taking care that the stand is incredibly well-made, resistant to wear, and certified by the Tree Stand Manufacturer’s Association (Summit Outdoors’ USA-MadeElevatorTower, Stair,Platform  is fully certified).If youdon’t want the blind elevated, consider whetheryou’ll place it directly on the ground or if you want some sort of foundation for anadditional layer of protection. The existing floor and base of these box blindsis made to keep pests out and withstand significant use, as well as surviving the things the elements can throw at it.  

What features do these blinds have? 

Shadow Hunter’s box blinds offerpretty much every feature you could hope for, plus some extras. The Shadow Hunter 6x6 Octagon isthe model made for multiple hunters andis loaded with useful features. Eight windows are strategically placed on each side of theoctagon, and thanks to their varying sizes,you’re covered regardless of your preferences. Three windows measure 34”x10”,four are upright 8”x24.5” designs, and the window on the door is 24.5”x8”.One shelf is raised overhead to keep snacks and drinks out of the way if your game appears and the three longer windows include shooting rests that are also great for holdingbinos and spare magazines.There’s even a corner shelf that works well for handgun hunters but also makes a nice bookshelf (it’s nice having some reading material on hand).Additional features include a double coat hook by the door—you’ll be shedding layers if you have a heater in there—and a weapon rest suited for a rifle or compound bow.  

Why geta Shadow Hunter box blind? 

All those notes about size and features are nice, butthere’s more to a goodbox blind than handy shelves and windows. My own Shadow Hunter blind has survived all kinds of thunderstorms,hail storms, and even snow (yes, we do get snow in Texas).Temps have ranged from single digits to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks to the built-in functional features of these blinds,I’ve been able to hunt in comfort.

Those features include: 

Basically, whenit’s hot, the windows can be lowered for a nice cross-breeze, and whenit’s cold, the vents let air keep moving whenyou’re running a heater. All that warm air stays put thanks to the insulation, and whenit’s the sweltering heat of summer, the insulation helps keep it out. The fact that the Vengeance camo pattern is light-shaded also helps the blind reflect heat rather than absorbing it whenit’s hot out.You’ll be comfortable enough to fall asleep, take my word for it—just try not to do that. Murphy’s Law says the buckyou’ve been chasing for years will wander by whileyou’re sleeping. 

Blog Photo Credit: Kat Ainsworth Stevens