Choosing the Best Dog Stand or Blind for Your Next Hunt

Oct 23, 2020

As you prepare for your upcoming hunt, you’re probably thinking through all the gear you need to ensure success. As the designated “dog person” in your group, it’s essential to set your dog up for success by selecting the right stand or blind for the environment you’ll be hunting in. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice for your hunting scenarios.

Dog Stands & Blinds: What to Consider

There’s a wide variety of dog stands and blinds available, each suited to different hunting environments. Whether you’re in the timber or out in the fields, choosing the right gear can make all the difference for both you and your dog.

Timber Hunts

In timber, visibility is key. Your dog needs to see clearly to respond to your commands and spot downed birds. Open stands are usually the best option in this setting. Here are a few stands to consider:

These stands offer great stability and visibility, but each has its strengths. The MOMARSH Ramp Stand, for example, is versatile enough for use on both boats and in timber. You can strap it to a tree for extra security, which can be a big advantage in tricky conditions. The Banded Hybrid Slough Stand and MOMARSH Final Stand are also solid options, with the Final Stand featuring independently adjustable legs for uneven terrain.

If you’re hunting in timber, any of these stands will work well, but think about what features are most important to you—whether that’s versatility, stability, or ease of setup.

Field Hunts

For field hunts, an enclosed dog blind is often the best choice. These blinds provide cover, keeping your dog hidden and comfortable, which is especially important when hunting wary birds in open terrain. Consider these options:

When hunting fields, it’s crucial to choose a blind that suits your specific needs. The MOMARSH INVISI-LAB stands out for its durability and convenience. It’s easy to set up and tear down, and it’s built to last—mine has been going strong for years. For scenarios where a low profile is crucial, the Rig’Em Right Field Bully Blind or the Tanglefree Flight Series Dog Blind are excellent choices. Both are compact and easy to conceal, making them ideal for field hunts where cover is sparse.

Best Dog Stand for Duck Hunting

Which One Is Right for You?

With so many options, the right choice ultimately depends on where and how you plan to hunt. If you hunt in various locations, you might need more than one stand or blind to cover all your bases. Start with the one you’ll use the most, and add to your collection as needed.

Something to Keep in Mind: If you’ve done a good job training your dog, you might find yourself getting more hunting invitations. While being the dog person doesn’t guarantee extra invites, it certainly doesn’t hurt! So, it’s worth being prepared for different hunting scenarios to make the most of those opportunities.

My Top Picks

For overall versatility and durability, my top choices are the MOMARSH INVISI-LAB for blinds and the MOMARSH Final Stand for open stands. These options offer a great balance of features that can adapt to various hunting situations.

Member Favorites

I also polled our CGA members to see what they prefer, and here’s what they had to say:

Andrew: “I love the flexibility of the INVISI-LAB in that it can be used in fields and water. It’s lightweight, well-designed, and easy to brush in.”
Brooke: “INVISI-LAB because I use it as a training stand and a dog blind. Not to mention it has held up 2 seasons in the saltwater, which is impressive.”
Adam: “My choice depends on the scenario and the product’s quality, function, and ease of use. I use the MOMARSH INVISI-LAB, Final Stand, Field House LP, and Rig’Em Right Field Bully. In flooded areas with good cover, I use the Final Stand. For fields, I prefer the Field House LP. If space is tight, the Field Bully’s compact design is perfect.”

These insights from fellow hunters underscore the importance of choosing a stand or blind that suits your specific needs and hunting environment.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to dog stands and blinds, take your time, do your research, and pick the one that will work best for your typical hunting conditions. As you gain experience and explore different hunting environments, you can always expand your gear to meet new challenges.

BuildFromHere,

Joshua Parvin

P.S. If you’re ready to train your retriever but aren’t sure where to start or what to do next, you’re in the right place. Check out our online courses designed to help you every step of the way. Find the right course for you here.