Building Nest Structures, Feeders, and Photo Blinds
for North Dakota Wildlife
Modified Portable Fishhouse-Type Blind
This blind is fashioned after the typical portable ice house. Finding someone who owns one may give you a head start before construction.
Materials Needed:
- 2 - 4' 1 1/4" (l " x 2")
- 2 - 4' (2" x 4")
- 2 - 5' (2" x 4")
- 2 - (4' x 4') 3/8" plywood
- 7' x 14' dark canvas
- Drill and 1/16" bit, 3/8" bit
- 8' piano hinge
- Jig saw
- 1 box small wood screws (1/2")
- 1 box medium wood screws (3/4")
- Staple gun with 1/2" staples
- Carpet knife
- 8 - 3" wood screws
- Wood glue
- 8 - 4' lengths of 2" x 1/4" lathe
Make base of blind with above 2x4s by joining mitered ends together. Glue and join together with 3" wood screws.
Use piano hinge on inside edge of blind. Attach to each 4' 2x4 one 4x4 sheet of 3/8" plywood. Use 1/2" screws in plywood and 3/4" screws in 2x4. Both plywood pieces should be free to fold toward center of blind.
Begin attaching canvas on one 5' 2x4. Drill pilot holes in lathe material with 1/16" bit. Double canvas over and place lathe material over canvas. Sink 3/4" screws through lathe, canvas, and into 2x4. Have assistant hold both plywood sides straight up.
Stretch canvas over entire blind and repeat above process on opposite 5' 2x4. Cutting of some excess canvas may be necessary.
Secure 1x2s inside blind wedging them between plywood walls. These will be the supports that keep your blind from collapsing. For right now, you may wish to nail them temporarily for ease of working.
Attach canvas on plywood by using lathe and 1/2" screws. Remember doubling canvas and drilling pilot holes. Extra canvas will need to be trimmed. Use your own best judgment, however, canvas should overlap wood by at least 3".
Sit in blind with desired stool to determine level you will be photographing. At this level, trace a hole (with coffee can, etc.) slightly larger than your camera lens. Drill hole with 3/8" bit for a spot to start cutting. You may wish to have camera holes in the canvas also. Make flaps to cover holes by using excess canvas. Use velcro to attach flaps to cover unused windows.
Note: This blind is ideal for situations where water is present since the bottom is entirely open. Wear your rubber boots or use a false floor made of a pallet, etc.
Previous Section--Low-Profile A-Frame Blind
Return to Contents
