Blind on the Cheap

Over a year ago I needed to get a photo blind for bird photography. I did not want to spend a lot of money and started looking into my options. Right off the bat I could have bought a blind from one of the manufacturers but they were too pricey for my taste given how they were used. Next I thought about making a blind using PVC like I have noticed others have done. Nah, I did not want to spend the time creating one when I could be out taking photos. Also they tend to take longer to put up in the field then I wanted to spend.

I was strolling though my local Wal-Mart and noticed some of the small dome tents were only about $20 on sale. The light bulb comes on! I start looking for a make that has the highest center at the vertex and it had to have a door on one side and windows on the other three. I found what I was looking for and got it in a dull green. When I got home I took a pair of scissors and cut out the mosquito net covering the windows and presto, instant blind that takes about two minutes to set up. Just add a stool or bucket for sitting and I was good to go. Later I even cut out the bottom so that I could move the blind around while I was still in it.

If you are looking for a blind, do not overlook the possibility of a cheap dome tent as they serve the purpose and the birds don't mind either.