I remember the first time I sat in a hunting blind during a chilly November morning, waiting for a deer to pass. The temperature dropped as the sun rose, and soon my hands were frozen stiff. I wished I had known how to heat the hunting blind properly to stay warm and comfortable while waiting for my prey.
That’s why I decided to write this article on how to heat a hunting blind, to help fellow hunters avoid the discomfort and distraction of being too cold. I will share some tips and tricks I learned over the years, from using portable propane heaters to insulating the blind with unique materials. By the end of this article, you’ll know how to stay warm and focused while hunting in even the coldest weather.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
The wind is the killer when hunting in the cold. Before we start talking about coal in coffee cans, you need a few necessities.
Good suitable clothing – I know this may sound like the most simplistic answer. But we all know it’s the most effective. However, I know we all have our preferred brands and comfortable clobber. So although it deserves mention, we will leave that there. (But for those wondering, I wear a full Raven Wear suit. Coat, vest, bibs, and hat.)
Hunting Blind – Aswell as acting as a camouflage base for hunting. A hunting blind also offers a windbreak. Getting a sturdy hunt blind will remove the wind allowing you to hunt from the warmer ground.
Regarding the best hunting blinds for cold conditions, I always recommend Banks Blinds. Although Elevated blinds are not for everyone, Banks’ Blinds are as stable as they come.
METHODS I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND
The classic coal in the Coffee can – This method will always come to mind when discussing heating your blind. But it’s also a way that your uncle might have told you, and in my personal experience, I prefer not to take their word for it.
There are a fair few issues with this method. The safety of lumping burning coal can be very much an incident waiting to happen, especially if you are in a hunting blind.
Additionally, you don’t want to draw attention to yourself when hunting. And the fumes produced by this method will deter a deer off instantly (or whatever else you are pursuing)
I have heard some adaptations to the traditional method, a Coffee can and a roll of toilet paper soaked in alcohol put out a lot less smell than charcoal. However, I would not advise either of these methods for safety reasons.
THINGS I LOOK FOR IN HEATING YOUR BLIND
Safety – This is obvious, although staying warm whilst hunting is nice. It’s not worth putting yourself at risk. For any heating source, you want to ensure it is stable and your blind is well-ventilated.
Noise & Smell – As mentioned, any heat source will produce a smell or noise in most cases. We want to keep this as minimal as possible. So whatever you are hunting doesn’t spot you.
NEW TECHNOLOGY THAT WORKS
There is no need for dodgy DIY jobs when such good products are on the market at reasonable prices. I used to stay away from propane heaters. The word itself sounded dangerous, but I was soo wrong. Yes, there are still plenty of issues with propane heaters, but when Mr Heater is producing heaters with:
- 4000-9000 BTU robust operation
- Large 225 square feet area of coverage
- Fold-down handle for compact storage
- Tip-over, pilot light-out, and low oxygen automatic shut-off for safety
For under $100, the safety risk has been massively minimised and pumps out some severe heat. I purchased two propane heaters from Mr Heater: the Mr Heater F232000 & the Mr Heater F215100. And would recommend them both. Hands down worth the money over coal and Coffee.
TO CONCLUDE
I have been hunting for a long time. I have tried all the methods; some work better than others. However, with technology advancing, we now have much better and safer options than ever.
Many of us are stuck in our mindset of what is best. But I urge you to check out my guide on The Best Hunting Blind Heaters. Not only as I have done all the research for you. But an upgrade might save your life.
I hope this article has helped in staying warm on your next hunt.
