One of the benefits of living the rural life is the opportunity to create habitats that allow you to nurture native species around you. In this Backyard Life video, see how Joe Thomas cultivates his property, and uses an elevated blind to create the perfect spot for wildlife viewing.
There are lots of ways to attract wildlife to your property that can then be viewed. Adding food plots and bird feeders, and cutting trails all improve the land and nurture its wildlife for maximum viewing potential. Thomas states the two primary benefits to setting up your property this way: “It feels good to do a great thing for the environment, but what I really love is to show it off to others—especially kids.” He also explains that, while everyone’s not cut out for hunting, wildlife viewing is something everyone can enjoy.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
One way to view wildlife is to walk any trails you’ve cut on the property. However, Thomas says “if you want to see animals doing what they do, you really need to get elevated.”
The most basic way to view wildlife from above ground is with a simple tree stand. However, they expose you to open-air, often require a harness, and pose safety issues for novices. But, Thomas has a solution. “What if I told you there was a way to get elevated without being exposed to the elements?” Thomas asks. That said, he walks over to a pre-fabricated, enclosed hunting blind on an elevated platform.
With four solid walls, windows, and a door, a pre-fabricated blind provides cover from the weather, holds in scents, and allows for undetected movement while viewing wildlife.
Not only that, but it’s safe, too. “If you can climb a step ladder, you can get into this blind,” Thomas says. Once your blind is up and anchored down, “it’s a permanent fixture on your property and you’ll use it a lot,” he adds.
Next, Thomas discussed the best place to set up an elevated wildlife viewing blind.
“Think about purpose,” he comments. Thomas has his blind set up to border the edge of a food plot and a tree line. This position enables him to view deer and turkey, as well as birds like woodpeckers. The blind provides full visibility while, at the same time, keeps you hidden. “It’s great for children who need to move around,” Thomas explains.
Adding an enclosed, elevated blind to your rural property is an amazing way for visitors (especially children) to view the wildlife you’ve cultivated. No matter the weather, the species, or your visitors’ experience level.
