Successfully hunting geese or ducks from a field is much easier with the help of a layout blind, in which you can remain concealed while waiting for the birds to appear. Then, when the moment of truth arrives, you can flip open the doors and make your shot. However, you do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on a layout blind, as you can make one yourself for much less money.
Items you will need
1-inch PVC pipe
1 ½-inch PVC pipe
Tape measure
Hacksaw
2 90-degree, 3-way PVC connectors, 1-inch diameter
2 90-degree, 4-way PVC connectors, 1-inch diameter
4 45-degree, 2-way PVC connectors, 1-inch diameter
2 90-degree, 3-way T-connectors, 1-inch diameter
2 straight-line, 2-way connectors, 1-inch diameter
2 90-degree, 3-way PVC connectors, 1 ½-inch diameter
2 90-degree, 2-way PVC connectors, 1 ½-inch diameter
Camouflage, all-weather fabric
Scissors
Reclining lounge chair
Step 1
Measure and cut four 18-inch-long sections of 1-inch PVC pipe with the measuring tape and hacksaw. These will form four of the frame’s six support legs. Make the two remaining legs by measuring and cutting two lengths of PVC, each of which should be 33 inches long.
Step 2
Measure and cut two 48-inch-long sections, three 24-inch-long sections and two 28-inch-long sections of the 1-inch PVC pipe. Once assembled, these sections will form the part of the frame that covers your body. Use two 3-way, 90-degree connectors to connect the sides of the frame to the “foot” side of the frame; use two 4-way, 90-degree connectors to connect the “head” side of the frame to the sides. Once you have completed this, insert the four short legs into the open spots in the connectors. The connectors nearest your head will each still have an empty slot.
Step 3
Measure and cut four 6-inch-long lengths of 1-inch PVC. These will serve as small extensions, enabling you to connect the angled portion of the blind to the horizontal portion and supports. Slip each extension into the open slot in the frame’s connectors. Attach the 45-degree connector to the other end of the extension pieces. Measure and cut two 33-inch-long pieces of 1-inch PVC and insert them into the open end of the 45-degree connectors.
Step 4
Place the second pair of extension segments into the downward-facing slots in the 45-degree connectors. Attach two 90-degree T-connectors to the ends of the extensions. Place a straight-line connector on the end of each extension. Measure and cut two 27-inch-long sections of 1-inch PVC and fit them into the other side of the straight-line connectors. Measure and cut a final 24-inch-long section of 1-inch PVC and connect it, spanning the two long leg supports, using the already installed T-connectors.
Step 5
Measure and cut two 22-inch-long sections and one 32-inch-long section of the 1 ½-diameter PVC to make the door frame. Connect all three pieces by using the two 90-degree, 1 1/2-inch connectors. Slide two 90-degree, three-way T-connectors onto one of the angled frame supports. Connect the open ends of the door frame to the T-connectors. Because they will rotate around the smaller 1-inch pipe, a swinging door is formed. Drive a 2-inch-long screw into the side of the door frame, which will keep it from swinging inside the frame.
Step 6
Cut the camouflaged fabric into pieces that match each panel of the blind. For example, cut a piece approximately 48 inches long by 24 inches wide to make the panel that will cover your legs. Apply a thick bead of hot glue to the pipe, lay the fabric atop it and press it tightly into place. Allow the glue to dry completely before using the blind. Attach fabric to the top, sides and back of the blind.
Step 7
Place the lounge chair in your chosen location and place the blind on top of the chair. Climb into the chair via the door, and close the door behind you.
Tips
- If available, use a drill and rivet gun to attach the fabric to the PVC more securely.
- For even better concealment, attach grass and other natural materials to your blind.
References
Tips
- If available, use a drill and rivet gun to attach the fabric to the PVC more securely.
- For even better concealment, attach grass and other natural materials to your blind.
