How to Build a Permanent Goose Blind

Why Build a Permanent Goose Blind?

Permanent blinds shine in locations where:

• Geese migrate predictably

• Land access is consistent

• Feeding patterns remain stable

• Multiple hunters need room and comfort

• Harsh weather requires shelter

Well-designed blinds provide:

• Better concealment

• Room for heaters, dogs, and gear

• More comfort for long sits

• A stable shooting platform

• Reduced setup time each hunt

The goal is a blind that looks natural in the landscape and provides consistent opportunity.

Choosing the Best Location

1. Scout for Consistent Goose Traffic

Focus on fields or wetland edges where birds:

• Feed regularly

• Roost nearby

• Travel along known flyways

• Favor cut corn, barley, wheat, or pasture

Geese use predictable patterns—build where they want to be.

2. Identify the X (Feeding Spot)

Permanent blinds work best when set along:

• Prime feed locations

• Field depressions geese prefer

• Edges of crop transitions

• Natural funnels

A blind placed slightly off the X can still succeed with the right decoy spread, but on the X is ideal.

3. Account for Wind and Sun

Geese land into the wind, so position your blind so:

• Birds approach facing your decoys

• The sun isn’t directly in your eyes on morning hunts

• Natural shadows help your concealment

Wind + light = optimal shooting lanes.

Materials You’ll Need

Permanent blinds require durable materials that withstand weather and repeated hunts. Common choices include:

• Pressure-treated lumber (2x4s, 4x4s)

• Plywood or OSB panels

• Corrugated metal or PVC roofing

• Earth anchors or t-posts

• Screws and outdoor-grade hardware

• Camouflage netting

• Brush, cedar, grass mats, or natural vegetation

• Paint (flat earth tones)

• Hinges for doors or shooting lids

• Landscape fabric (optional for flooring)

Adapt to your environment—coastal marsh, prairie field, or timber edge.

Step-by-Step: Building a Permanent Goose Blind

1. Build a Sturdy Frame

Start with a treated lumber frame to support weight and weather.

• Layout a rectangular footprint sized for 2–6 hunters

• Use 4x4 corner posts sunk deep into the ground

• Add horizontal supports to brace the structure

The frame is the backbone—keep it solid.

2. Add Sidewalls and Support Panels

Use plywood or similar material to create walls.

• Keep height around shoulder level to maintain visibility

• Add shooting ports or hinged lids

• Reinforce corners for durability

Walls should blend seamlessly once brushed in.

3. Install a Weatherproof Roof (Optional)

A roof isn’t required, but in rainy or snowy climates it’s a game changer.

• Sloped roofs shed water

• Corrugated metal or PVC panels work best

• Leave shooting gaps or add flip lids

For open-top blinds, use railings for brush instead.

4. Brush and “Naturalize” the Blind

One of the most important steps.
Use:

• Cedar boughs

• Native grasses

• Corn stalks

• Willow branches

• Marsh reeds

Blend your blind into the landscape, not just cover it. Refresh brush often throughout the season.

5. Build a Comfortable Interior

A comfortable blind keeps hunters still and concealed.
Consider adding:

• Benches or chairs

• Dog box or platform

• Gear hooks

• Floor grates or mats to reduce mud

• Small heater (propane) for cold mornings

Comfort leads to longer, more productive sits.

6. Create Good Shooting Lanes

Before finalizing, step outside and inspect from bird-eye view.
Ensure:

• Overhead brush doesn’t block shots

• Lids or windows open quietly

• Firing lanes cover the approach and landing zones

Silent, fast shooting lanes are essential for finishing geese.

Concealment Strategies That Fool Geese

Blend the Blind—Don’t Just Camouflage It

Geese flare from anything that looks unnatural. Blend your blind by:

• Matching local vegetation colors

• Using seasonally appropriate materials

• Burying or sinking the blind slightly, if possible

• Avoiding straight edges

In agricultural fields, pile dirt or stubble around the blind for natural shape.

Refresh Vegetation Regularly

Dead brush fades quickly. Replace vegetation:

• Weekly during the season

• After major weather changes

• When crops are harvested or fields change

Stay relevant to the immediate surroundings.

Control Movement Inside the Blind

Movement inside a blind is the most common cause of flares.
Strategies:

• Use dark interiors

• Keep windows small

• Limit skylining

• Teach hunters to stay back from the opening

A blind is only as good as the hunters using it.

Decoy Spreads for Permanent Blinds

1. The J-Hook or Fish-Hook Spread

Encourages geese to land in front of the blind.

• Use the curve of the J to guide approach

• Leave a natural landing pocket

2. U-Shape Spread

Great for big flocks and late-season pressure.

• Place blind at the bottom of the U

• Birds drop into the pocket

3. X-Spread

Best when geese land inconsistently.

• Blind sits slightly off the center

• Birds choose landing lines naturally

Always adjust according to wind, field layout, and current goose behavior.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Verify landowner permission for permanent structures

• Check local regulations about blind construction

• Ensure blinds do not impede public access

• Use natural materials responsibly

• Always remove or maintain blinds annually

Responsible building ensures land stays huntable for years.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Building the blind too visible or box-like

• Setting up in a poor field location (not on the X)

• Ignoring wind patterns

• Forgetting interior comfort

• Using shiny roofing or untreated wood

• Rarely refreshing natural brush

• Creating noisy shooting lids

Fix these oversights, and your blind becomes a season-long asset.

Planning Your Goose Hunt Through Find A Hunt

A permanent goose blind is a game-changing investment for dedicated waterfowlers. When you book through Find A Hunt, you get:

• Access to top waterfowl outfitters with proven blinds and setups

• Expert calling and decoy placement strategies

• Options in premier goose regions across North America

• An easy way to compare hunts and choose the perfect adventure

Explore goose hunts today and elevate your waterfowl season.

Permanent Goose Blind FAQs

How big should a permanent goose blind be?
Most blinds are built for 2–6 hunters with enough space for gear and a dog.

Do permanent blinds spook geese?
Not if brushed well and blended into the environment.

Should I build a roof?
Optional, but recommended in rainy or snowy climates.

How close should decoys be to the blind?
Typically 10–25 yards depending on wind and landing zone.

Can permanent blinds work for ducks too?
Absolutely—especially in mixed waterfowl areas.

Ready to set the foundation for years of productive goose hunts? Start planning your next season—or explore guided options—through Find A Hunt.