• Laydown blinds are low profile blinds for duck hunting.duck hunter image by cherie from Fotolia.com
  
  Laydown blinds allow a duck hunter to stay concealed as flocks of ducks close-in on the decoys. The blinds are typically made from canvas with an aluminum frame and allow the hunter to move easily and blend-in with the terrain. As flocks of ducks approach the decoys, the hunter will open the flaps to shoulder the gun and shoot. Successfully hunting from laydown blinds takes practice and preparation.
  
  

Mud It Up

• When the laydown blinds are produced, the canvas material can be shiny. Chris Hustad, owner of Nodak Outdoors, says that ducks will see the reflection on the material and will "flare"--redirect their flight pattern--from the decoys. As soon as possible after opening the laydown blind, "mud" it up. Take a handful of mud and smear it on the outside of the blind like a paint brush. Allow the mud to dry and brush it off.
  
  

Concealment

• Brushing in the laydown blind is important for blending in to the surrounding vegetation. When you find a location for the blind, gather brush, twigs, crops or weeds to cover the blind. Hustad also says that you need to match the blind to the terrain. Most blinds will come with vegetation straps installed to attach brush. For example, if you are hunting in a corn field, do not use bean stubble to brush in the blind. Use green vegetation if hunting in a green field, white if you are hunting in snow and so on.
  
  

Placement

• Position the blind approximately 10 to 15 yards from the decoys. Avoid placing the blind much closer to the edge of the decoys; otherwise, the incoming ducks may see the blind. On the other hand, putting the blind too far away from the decoys can present shots that are too far. Rotate the blind in the direction of your shooting shoulder. For example, if you are right-handed shooter, rotate the laydown to the right. This allows for easier swinging of the gun when a flock of ducks enters the decoys.
  
  

Ready to Shoot

• The most difficult, and the most important, part of hunting from a laydown blind is getting up to shoot. Preparing for the shot starts by staying concealed until the last possible moment when someone yells, "Take 'em." Try to have only the barrel of your gun out of the blind and use your eyes to peek through the flaps. Keep the gun on safety and as the ducks approach push open the flaps. Once the flaps open, sit up and shoulder the gun. Press the safety off and take your time to make a good shot.