Cover your layout blind with a coat of mud and stubble for concealment.

Mudding is a technique used by expert waterfowl hunters to break in a layout blind and make it easier to hide in the field, especially dirt fields with very little foliage.

Out of the box, a layout blind won’t provide the level of concealment that you need. In order to blend in with your surroundings—whether that means stubble, corn stalks, or plain dirt—you need to apply natural camouflage to the blind, using mud and/or vegetation.

Get Rid of the Shine

The first thing to get rid of is unnatural shine from the blind material. Any material that flashes in the sun can makes birds shy away from your blind. American Hunter recommends roughing up the fabric with a wire brush to break up some of the shine and to make it easier for the mud to stick to the blind.

If you want to paint your blind a different color, now is the time to do it. Use an ultra-flat paint to eliminate any shine.

Mud It Up

The next step is to apply mud. Collect dirt from the fields where you hunt, or use dirt with similar color and properties to match the area in which you’ll be hunting. Mix this dirt with enough water to make a paste. Then use an old paintbrush or broom to apply the mud to the blind. Let the mud dry. Leave the layout blind outside for a few days; then slap it with another coat of mud for good measure. When the mud is completely dry, shake the blind gently to remove any loose dirt and to keep the dirt from falling into your eyes while you’re hunting.

Add some stubble and vegetation to your conceal your blind in the field, and you’re ready to go!

KillZone layout blind in the field

“Well it arrived today. It has a powder coat metal frame, not aluminum. Doesn’t matter to me. It seems like there might be some kind of insulation in the bottom of the feet area. Very roomy, but the side zippers are kind of small. I think it will be very hard to flag with them. The back rest, head support seemed comfy, nothing under my butt or shoulders. The cushion seemed ok. It has heavier material that most, and the floor feels like it has some kind of rubberized coating. It is only khaki color, but with a little help and time should be ok.”

After some back-and-forth bantering, another hunter replied, “I really hope the blind works out. If it does you got it for a heck of a steal. As for flagging out the sides, I find that to be a pain in most blinds. I try it every now and then but I usually find myself keeping it right behind my blind with the handle just a few inches from my head. That seems to be the only place I can always find it when I need it.”

Kelly then responded with some further comments on the new layout blind: “I don’t know what it will be like in the field, and I know it will take a lot of stubble to camo it up, but it seems comfy in the garage. Just takes a little getting used to. I have never been in one before, so I’m not a good judge. I have a Cabelas brand (used), and an F A SUB (new) coming. So I will have something to compare too.

So far I like the Kill Zone, my Cabelas doesn’t cover your face, but it has a lot more inside room and more comfortable head and back support. I think the Kill Zone has heavier fabric and better supports for the doors. The KZ also has thin insulation on foot box floor, the Cab. Doesn’t.”

You can find out more about the KillZone Lay ‘n Slay© Hunting Blind on our website, with more layout blind reviews from other hunters just like you.

Turret XL Hub Blind with Zero Detect camo

Turret XL Blind

“Couldn’t be more please with my purchase. Forget the instructions, watch the online video…and it is as easy to put up as the guys show. Very study, water repellent just enough room for two people. Shooting through the screens works like they say. Doesn’t affect your arrow trajectory. Also impressed with shipping and tracking info that is emailed to me at every step of the way.”
- Jim A., Colorado

“This is the first blind that I have owned and I could not be happier. This blind is so easy to set up that it took me all of 60 seconds out of the box on the first try. The inside is very roomy and fit me and my two boys 17 and 15. I think the construction is of great quality and will stand up to many years of hunting. Opening morning we had 3 bucks 6 does, one coyote and a turkey walk right by us. You could not beat the price for this blind based on the size and quality. If you are looking for a high quality blind do not hesitate purchasing this one.”
- J. Ryan

“We were very pleased with the blind. We ordered it for our son for Christmas and then ordered another for my husband after seeing the first one.”
- C. Randall

2 Person Chair Blind

2 Shooter Chair Blind

Pop Up Blind

“Great blind for the price. It is light so it may need staked down. Plenty of room and easy to set up. Velcro on the windows are loud.”
- S. Mishler

“Great product–fits my turkey and deer hunting blind needs!! Like the light weight-14 lbs.”
- Roger S.

Layout Blind

“Had problem with push buttons on head rest and a fiber connector snapping in extreme cold. Customer service was pleasant and responsive and replaced with new blind. Would recommend.”
- D. Jones

“It is a good product. It works like they say it does and does the job. The only thing is its not made for healthy people. By that I mean us more rotund fat boys. I can barely close the flaps all the way and be comfortable. Other than that no complaints at all.”
- Chance Burnett

KillZone Chair Hunting Blind

Chair Blind Reviews

Super cool blind. I’m a outdoors photography fan, and I have a bunch of friends that loves hunting, the deer season just started, I got me the Canon 300 mm f/2.8 (super cool lens) and my biggest concern of this product was the inside space, Well let me tell you some thing, you have plenty for a long lens, monopod, pro camera and your camera bag. This weekend I’ll go to test it in a hunting ranch in Mexico, to try it in real live and I’m sure it will perform fantastic. The assembly’s system couldn’t be easier “dumb proof”, just pool the blind out of it bag, pull and play. For wild life photography is a great asset.

- Miguel

Nice two man blind for the money. I have not had a chance to use it hunting this year. Purchased it after hunting season. But I used a one man version from a competitor and found it to be a must for deer hunting. I like the KillZone material better and that is why I purchased their brand.

- Raymond

KillZone Pop Up Ground Blind

Pop Up Blind Reviews

I used the blind this year and it was great. I would recommend it as a good tool.

- E. Diem

Came in record time, excellent condition, excellent blind, I could not be happier. Thank You.

- P. Rose

Fast delivery, easy setup, teardown and packing very quick, great wind break, shoot out 4 sides, all you need is a chair to sit on and maybe a cargo tarp for flooring. Excellent product. Great price.

- N. Svoma

nice blind for the price. one thing is that I have a 30 inch draw length and it’s just to big for this size blind, i have to keep the back window open for my draw arm to go out, so if you have a long draw keep that in mind. other than that it’s great for crossbow and firearms!

- N. Burch

KillZone Waterfowl Layout Blind

Layout Blind Reviews

This blind is a bargain for the price! I’m a serious hunter and this is just like my expensive layout blinds.

- T. Rohlfing

The Lay ‘n Slay blind is perfect for duck, goose, and other waterfowl hunting. It’s packed with the latest features, including:

• Doors that close in a flash with quick pull cords and fling open with minimal pressure
• Flag ports that allow you to grab and wave your flag while staying completely hidden
• A flag tube and ammunition pouch for convenient storage inside the blind
• A face concealment screen that can be tucked under for a clear view of the sky
• A zippered opening at the foot of the blind that lets you dump out all the shells at the end of the day
• Stubble straps all the way down the length of the blind for brushing it in any way you want to

See the Lay ‘n Slay waterfowl blind in action in this video, then swing on over to our Lay ‘n Slay product page to check out the blind for yourself! Now only $99!

Stay warm and dry with a layout blind.

Layout Blinds are…

1. Warmer – The heavy canvas material protects you from the wind during cold weather.
2. More Comfortable – The padded backrest keeps you comfortable while you wait.
3. Dry – The bottom of the blind is padded for extra comfort and to keep cold and moisture from seeping into the blind.
4. Well Camouflaged – The layout blind camo is a quick and easy way to hide yourself from the birdseye view of the ducks above you. Add a little natural camouflage to the blind, and you’re set to go!
5. Well Designed for Overhead Viewing – The layout blind hides you from view without blocking your view of the sky overhead.
6. Convenient – The storage pockets inside give you room to store your gun, ammo, flags, and other gear.
7. Quick and Easy to Set Up – Setting up your layout blind is much easier than digging a pit (which in some states is illegal). You can spend less time getting ready to hunt and more time shooting ducks.

Why Goose Hunt with Decoys?

The right decoy placement will help hide your goose blind.

As the season progresses, geese wise up to shoddy decoys, so use decoys that are as realistic as you can afford—full-bodied, if possible, or a mix of full-bodied decoys, shells, and silhouettes. Realistic goose decoys will increase the success rate of your hunting.

Tips for Decoy Spread Placement

• You can start by setting up your decoys in the traditional U, V, J, or circle pattern, but alter the pattern slightly to give it a more natural look.
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• Pay attention to the wind. Never face all your decoys into the wind. This position signals that the geese or ducks are ready for takeoff. Face the decoys in various directions to the wind at all different angles.
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• Factor in a “landing zone” (such as the open curve of the “U” or “J” shape) where you hope the incoming birds will land. Arrange your decoys around this open space to try to control where the birds land.
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• Add a small family group of geese downwind of the other decoys, as if they’ve just landed and are making their way towards the rest of the group.
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• Set up your layout blind upwind of the landing zone and right in the thick of your decoys. The decoys will help hide your blind and keep the birds from landing on top of you. If possible, place the blind in a dip to keep a low profile. The hunting blind should be within easy range of the landing zone. Take into account that the geese may not land directly in the landing zone.
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• Geese find safety in numbers, so they will be more likely to land in areas where…
  1. There are plenty of other geese.
  2. The geese are relaxed and naturally feeding (not wary, alarmed, or all looking up).
  3. There is movement (use flags or motion stakes to simulate movement).
• The more decoys you use, the easier it will be for the birds to spot them as they approach the field. More decoys attract larger flocks of geese. The larger the flock you hope to attract, the more decoys you’ll need to set out. For smaller, family groups of geese, two to four dozen decoys should be adequate. For larger flocks of geese (over 100 geese), you may need over 100 decoys.

As any hunter knows, these decoy tips may or may not work on any given hunt. Depending on the weather, location, how the geese are responding to your decoy spread, and other factors, you may need to change up your game plan. Good luck goose hunting!

Duck hunting blinds offer protection, concealment, and quick setup.

• Protection from the wind
  Duck season is when the colder weather starts to set in. Even though a duck blind doesn’t seem like it would be very warm, it’s better than getting caught out in the cold wind and rain. Laydown blinds offer some measure of protection and take the edge off of the cold weather. The more comfortable you are, the easier it will be to wait until you’ve got the perfect shot.
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• Concealment from the ducks
  A duck’s eyesight is far superior to a human’s, which means you either need to freeze at the first hint of an approaching flock or use a duck hunting blind to conceal your movements. Most hunters opt for a duck blind. It allows them to shift positions, get ready to shoot, and scratch their noses.
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• Quick setup
  Setting up a waterfowl blind is quicker and easier than digging a pit and gathering all of your camouflage. With a camouflaged duck blind, you’ve already got a head start. Just slip some natural vegetation into the stubble straps, and you’re ready for the action.
]]> http://www.killzonehunting.com/blog/duck-hunting-blind-advantages/feed/ 0 http://www.killzonehunting.com/blog/eliminate-shine-hunting-blind/ http://www.killzonehunting.com/blog/eliminate-shine-hunting-blind/#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:13:24 +0000 Esther http://www.killzonehunting.com/blog/?p=69


Coat your blind with mud
to dull the shine.

If you buy a new toy or car, you want to keep it looking as clean and sharp as possible for as long as you can, right? Not so with your new hunting blind. It may seem crazy to throw mud on your brand new blind, but when it comes to hunting, the more natural something looks and smells, the better.
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No matter how shine-proof your new blind is, it never hurts to give it a more natural, dull appearance. The best way to do that is to use some of nature’s camouflage: mud.

Here’s How:

1. Set up your new blind now, if you haven’t already. It’s always good to get in a little practice before the actual hunt.
2. Ok, now it’s time to get down and dirty. Grab a bucket and fill it with mud (or make your own mud paste with dirt and water…you get the idea).
3. Dip an old paintbrush in your mud bucket and start mudding your new blind.
4. Once you get a good overall coat, let the mud dry completely. This could take anywhere from several hours to a full day.
5. Once it’s dry, brush off excess dirt from your blind. The mud will permeate the fibers in your blind and give it a dull finish that won’t spook game. The mud bath will also help to eliminate the “new” smell on your blind.

More Tips

Another trick to break in a new blind is to let it sit out in your backyard for a few days before the hunt to let it air out and take on the natural scent of the great outdoors. The shine will also begin to dull naturally if you let your blind sit outside long enough.

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