Conference vmsnet::hunting$note:hunting

    The best hing I think for shooting in fields where you can't build
    a permanent blind is to do the following:  
    
    Get a good army air mattress.  Hollow out a depression in one of
    the furrows near your spread and place the mattress in it.  Cover
    yourself with some type of camo covering AND add corn stocks to
    break your outline.  Make sure you have a face mask.  This has worked
    good for us in the past.  It takes all of 5 minutes to set up. I
    like an angled "backboard" to lean against when the acttion is slow.
    Good luck
    Jeff

         
         I'd buy a portable blind from one of the mail-order
         companies. In my experience, there aren't many things that
         cost under a $100 that are worth making instead of buying. (I
         built a portable blind once and it was a disaster.) 
         
         If you decide to build, look into materials used in
         lightweight backpacking tents: Fiberglas poles, elastic cord,
         etc. 
         
         And whenever conditions allow, follow Jeff's advice and hunt
         lying down. 
         
         Doug

    There's a portable blind that I believe Orvis and Old Guide sells
    by mail that is essentially a weed wall with stakes.
    I've used it successfully both as a vertical and a lie-down blind.
    I like Jeff's idea.  It works in the snow too.

    Thanks for the suggestions.  I like Jeff's set up, but also want
    something that I can use with my Lab, at least on some occasions.
    While you don't really need a retriever hunting corn fields, I like
    taking her along.
    
    Mark,

    Mark,
      I have Skeet lie down next to me.  He likes being right
    next to "Dad" under the camo with just his head sticking out.
    Besides, he keeps me warm and gives me someone to talk to!  Just 
    make sure he's steady.  Wait till you have your first cripple 
    running at about 60mph across the field 8*).
    You'll be glad you brought your pup.
    Jeff

    GOOD POINT!  I've got a lot of work to do before my pup is that
    steady, but that's clearly the answer.  The pup is not a year old
    yet and is a bundle of energy.  Fortunately, I've got almost 8 months
    to work on that.
    
    So you lie with your head and the dog's head sticking out from the
    camo?  Do you find it easier lying on your back or stomach?  Do
    you ever have problems with the gun catching on the camo sheet
    when you raise up to shoot?
    
    I've been think about getting a camo face mask, but I've always
    had trouble with face masks in the past.  I wear glasses and the
    face mask over my nose usually fogs up the glasses.  Have any
    of the rest of you had this problem and found a solution?
    
    Now, how many months do I have to wait to try this out..........
    
    thanks,
    Mark
    

    Lie on your back with the camo material covering your body up to
    around your neck.  The face mask will do the rest if you break up
    the outline enough with stocks and such.  The dog just lies either
    at your feet or next to you.  The biggest thing is not to move.
    I keep my gun on top of the camo, not under it.  This way it doesn't
    get hung up.  Your arms can be above too.  Try the idea at home with
    a sheet.   I'll bet your dog enjoys it.
    Remember, unless you see birds working you can be sittin up against
    your backboard.
    Jeff         
    

    That sounds great.  Thanks Jeff.  I just wish I didn't have 7 1/2
    months to wait before trying it.....
    
    Mark,
    

    Re:glasses  
    I wear them, also, and I use a dove/turkey hunter's mask.  It is
    a mesh material that breathes well and has enough area arounf the
    eyes to wear glasses.  Cabelas, Dunn's, all seem to have these in
    their catalog.
    

    They had a portable goose blind in either Sports Afield or Outdoor
    Life in the new products section this month.  I saw it last week.
    The blind was round and had (I think) a 6' diameter (might have
    been different).  
    
    The price was about $75.  If anyone is interested, I go back and
    pull the name of the manufacturer and dimmensions out.
    
    Brett.

    RE .10 Outdoor Life, march, 1988, page 10
    
    The Hide-U-Blind weighs less than 5 lbs., sets up quick.
    When erected, is 46 inches high, has a 12 foot circumference,
    eight ports for seated hunter.
    
    Hide-U-Blind
    Box 921-OL
    Novi, Mich. 48050
    
    $74.95 postpaid
    
    (Color is woodland green camo)

    The October, 1991 issue of Outdoor Life has an article on p. 36 
    describing a portable lay-down blind.  The blind consists of a
    sled with a "hinged, elevated backrest."  It can be camouflaged
    with cornstalks, grasses, white sheets--whatever blends in with
    the surroundings can be woven into the blind's frame.  While waiting,
    the hunter is reclined and covered by two hinged doors which 
    swing open as he sits up to shoot.  Looks pretty slick.  Plans
    for the goose blind are available by sending $14.00 to:
    
    	Lay Down Blind
    	Box 384
    	Annandale, NJ 08801