Pop Up Hunting Blinds

[outdooralex]

I am looking to by a pup up blind for this hunting season. I will be using it mainly for bow hunting. I need it to be big enough for myself and one child (5yrs and 7yrs). I am only 5'7", so it does not have to be real high just big enough to have one shooter and one kid comfortably. I would like it to be sent proof if possible. With having a kid inside, I need all the advantages I can get. I am looking to spend $200 to $250. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Adam Waszak]

Check out the double bull blinds they seem to offer a great deal of options. I have a few doghouse blinds which are nice but may be real comfy for 2 people

AW

[sullyxlh]

though out of that price range,I got the double bull matrix it's got alot of room and with there 360 degree window there are no shot restrictions,but whatever you decide,stay away from the nylon material,it can be very noisy at times also stay away from anything that uses velcro,that stuff is real loud

[outdooralex]

Good point about the nylon. The property I hunt is pretty open so we get a steady breeze. So nylon would be pretty noisy.

[brdhntr]

I've used the Penthouse for close to 10 years with no trouble. Still perfectly useable. Last year I bought a Yukon Dispatcher or Enforcer, can't remember. Haven't hunted out of it yet, but easily fits myself and my two boys, and well withing your price range.

[target-panic]

I have the Ameristep Doghouse Total Scent Control. I think it would be about right for what you are looking for, but not sure about the company. While hunting last fall the zipper on the front window ripped, as well as a couple of the tie-downs. I called the company this spring, and asked if I could send the blind to them for repairs ( at my expense ). The customer service rep told me that they don't do repairs, but would send me a new zipper for me to seek my own repairs. I then asked if I could just return the thing, as I had just purchased it last year. He said that once I provided them with proof of purchase we could discuss my options. I then called Cabela's whom I bought the blind through and explained the situation. Cabela's then told me to just return it to them and they sent me a brand new model with a bonus folding chair. The price is about $119.00 and it is a nice blind, but it does have a nylon exterior. I just added a little camoflauge burlap material over the top, and it did th trick quite well. Plenty of room also. Good Luck!
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=TGP_2a&rid=&indexId=cat540014&navAction=push&navCount=1&parentType=index&parentId=cat540014&id=0014688

[Ack]

I have the Ameristep Doghouse Total Scent Control. I think it would be about right for what you are looking for, but not sure about the company. While hunting last fall the zipper on the front window ripped, as well as a couple of the tie-downs. I called the company this spring, and asked if I could send the blind to them for repairs ( at my expense ). The customer service rep told me that they don't do repairs, but would send me a new zipper for me to seek my own repairs. I then asked if I could just return the thing, as I had just purchased it last year. He said that once I provided them with proof of purchase we could discuss my options. I then called Cabela's whom I bought the blind through and explained the situation. Cabela's then told me to just return it to them and they sent me a brand new model with a bonus folding chair. The price is about $119.00 and it is a nice blind, but it does have a nylon exterior. I just added a little camoflauge burlap material over the top, and it did th trick quite well. Plenty of room also. Good Luck!


This is only one of many reasons I can think of why NOT to buy a "cheap" blind. Sure, it sounds like a bargain at the store and many guys want to get things as inexpensive as possible, but in the long run you WILL have problems with these blinds and more than likely end up spending more money than you thought you would. To sum things up from the beginning, Double Bull blinds address many of the problems associated with the less expensive blinds. Here are a few examples....


1) As previously stated, many of the blind companies out there use a nylon material in their blinds which is not only thin and noisy, but can also reflect sunlight, making the blind shine in the sun like a mirror. Double Bull uses a heavy, no-shine poly-cotton fabric that is water resistant and very quiet.


2) DB blinds have silent windows...no noisy zippers or velcro. When a deer or turkey is walking 15 yards from your blind and you need to open the next window to get a shot at him, opening a zipper or velcro window would be nearly impossible without being noticed.


3) Wind flap is also something that can ruin a hunt very quickly....deer and turkeys simply will not tolerate a blind flapping around in the wind. DB uses an adjustable framework that can be rotated (if needed) to tighten the fabric to eliminate wind flap, and they also have tie downs on each wall to stake down the blind if needed.


4) Many blind manufacturers offer their blinds in the more popular camo patterns that are out there such as Mossy Oak, Max 4 or Hardwoods Green. While these camo patterns work well in certain situations, it is pretty much a known fact that at a distance of 15-20 yards or so these patterns tend to blend, or "blob" together. DB uses only Predator Deception camoflauge that is actually scaled to the size of the blind, making it practically disappear at any distance. Predator Deception is a very "open" camo pattern, thus it does not blob together at longer distances.


5) DB offers an unconditional lifetime warranty on the framework on all of their blinds....their customer service is second to none!


These are just a few reasons why Double Bull blinds are THE BEST blind on the market today. I am not at all saying that animals cannot be taken out of some of the less expensive blinds, but with that price tag comes several potential problems. Many guys cannot justify paying the DB price tag for "just a hunting tent", but when that big old buck or gobbler comes in and is spooked by something associated with your "cheaper" blind, you might wish that you had spent the extra money up front to eliminate that certain problem....you may never have that blown chance again! If you call Double Bull, they will send you a video that goes over some of the things that I mentioned and more....here is a link to their website.

http://www.doublebullarchery.com/

Hope this helps your decision a little....I guess that I look at it this way...you can buy a "cheaper" blind and use it for just a few years before something happens to it, or buy a Double Bull and enjoy it for many years to come....they are well worth the money in the long run!

[fulldraw]

I just received the Cabela's archery magazine and they have alot of blinds in your price range. I use the Ameristep Roadhouse 360 that they don't even make any more and it did cost alot of money.

[outdooralex]

Thanks for the responses guys. After doing some research, I think I will go with the Double Bull. It seems the T2 will work for what I need. The only thing I could not find on the web site is if is is scent loc on the inside. Does anybody know if it is?

[skipper34]

This is only one of many reasons I can think of why NOT to buy a "cheap" blind. Sure, it sounds like a bargain at the store and many guys want to get things as inexpensive as possible, but in the long run you WILL have problems with these blinds and more than likely end up spending more money than you thought you would. To sum things up from the beginning, Double Bull blinds address many of the problems associated with the less expensive blinds. Here are a few examples....


1) As previously stated, many of the blind companies out there use a nylon material in their blinds which is not only thin and noisy, but can also reflect sunlight, making the blind shine in the sun like a mirror. Double Bull uses a heavy, no-shine poly-cotton fabric that is water resistant and very quiet.


2) DB blinds have silent windows...no noisy zippers or velcro. When a deer or turkey is walking 15 yards from your blind and you need to open the next window to get a shot at him, opening a zipper or velcro window would be nearly impossible without being noticed.


3) Wind flap is also something that can ruin a hunt very quickly....deer and turkeys simply will not tolerate a blind flapping around in the wind. DB uses an adjustable framework that can be rotated (if needed) to tighten the fabric to eliminate wind flap, and they also have tie downs on each wall to stake down the blind if needed.


4) Many blind manufacturers offer their blinds in the more popular camo patterns that are out there such as Mossy Oak, Max 4 or Hardwoods Green. While these camo patterns work well in certain situations, it is pretty much a known fact that at a distance of 15-20 yards or so these patterns tend to blend, or "blob" together. DB uses only Predator Deception camoflauge that is actually scaled to the size of the blind, making it practically disappear at any distance. Predator Deception is a very "open" camo pattern, thus it does not blob together at longer distances.


5) DB offers an unconditional lifetime warranty on the framework on all of their blinds....their customer service is second to none!


These are just a few reasons why Double Bull blinds are THE BEST blind on the market today. I am not at all saying that animals cannot be taken out of some of the less expensive blinds, but with that price tag comes several potential problems. Many guys cannot justify paying the DB price tag for "just a hunting tent", but when that big old buck or gobbler comes in and is spooked by something associated with your "cheaper" blind, you might wish that you had spent the extra money up front to eliminate that certain problem....you may never have that blown chance again! If you call Double Bull, they will send you a video that goes over some of the things that I mentioned and more....here is a link to their website.

http://www.doublebullarchery.com/

Hope this helps your decision a little....I guess that I look at it this way...you can buy a "cheaper" blind and use it for just a few years before something happens to it, or buy a Double Bull and enjoy it for many years to come....they are well worth the money in the long run!

Well, nice speech, but I have used the Ameristep blinds for years and have had alot of success using them. Sure, you get what you pay for, but for the price of one DB I can buy several Ameristep Doghouse blinds for multiple set-ups. I have never ever experienced the problems that you relate. Sounds like a sales pitch to me.

[tdejong302]

Ameristep Penthouse has our camp vote. Very reliable, dependable blind. Its something like 6ft. high, 6 ft. square. All 3 of us use it. Awesome blind.

[Ack]

Thanks for the responses guys. After doing some research, I think I will go with the Double Bull. It seems the T2 will work for what I need. The only thing I could not find on the web site is if is is scent loc on the inside. Does anybody know if it is?

Scent lok is not built into the Double Bull blinds.....there is a 5" flap of material added to the bottom of the blind which you can cover with the leaves and dirt that you clear from where your blind is sitting. Scent control should be taken care of with your clothing...it shouldn't be the "responsibility" of the blind. Also, there would be no way of "re-charging" the amount of Scent Lok needed for a ground blind.....lot's of surface area there. Just leave your blind outside for a day or so before your hunt and you should be ok....then spray the outside down with some sort of scent eliminating spray immediately before your hunt.


Well, nice speech, but I have used the Ameristep blinds for years and have had alot of success using them. Sure, you get what you pay for, but for the price of one DB I can buy several Ameristep Doghouse blinds for multiple set-ups. I have never ever experienced the problems that you relate. Sounds like a sales pitch to me.

Well Skipper, it goes like this....maybe you didn't read post #6, but as I previously mentioned it is a very good example of what you "MIGHT" get yourself into if you go with the less expensive blind. I think it is great that you have had success out of your Ameristep blind and have been fortunate enough to not have any problems with it, but, I have heard of A LOT more people having problems with cheaper blinds, Ameristep in particular, than I have heard of the success stories from them. Very, and I mean VERY seldom will you ever hear of someone having a problem with a Double Bull...the quality and features of DB blinds are top notch.

As far as your comment on being able to buy several of your Amerstep blinds for the price of one Double Bull.....well myself, and I'm sure many others, do not care to leave blinds all over the woods, especially on public land, so there really is no need to buy that many blinds. If you are going to buy just one blind to do all of your hunting from, why wouldn't you want to buy the best one on the market? They are not overpriced, and the quality speaks for itself. Put an Ameristep blind...any model, alongside a Double Bull in the field and tell me that the Ameristep is just as good or better....I don't think anyone would.

My post above is not at all meant as a sales pitch....it's just true words from a hardcore bowhunter. I saved my hard-earned money and ordered the best blind there is....didn't waste my time or money on something that "might" let me down at the moment of truth. Like I said before, you only get one chance at that big tom or buck, and I don't want a noisy window or a flapping in the wind blind to mess up that chance. Double Bull works for me, Ameristep works for you, and that's what it comes down to......best of luck to you this season.

[.480]

Double Bull gets my vote too.
I have the T2, it is a great blind.
I also have two different "cheap nylon" blinds. There isn't even a comparison to the Double Bull.
Double Bull easily out performs.

[fulldraw]

My family to has used Ameristep products including there blinds. I can say is who was the first blind company to come out with 360 degree shooting it was not DB it was I Ameristep the Roudhouse 360. Now DB is advertising as it was there idea all along.

Like some of you have mentioned DB carries hefty price that is high quality, I beleive never owned one and probley never will due the price. I am weekend warrior I may only get out to deer hunt 4 to 5 weekends from the 1st of october to the 1st day in January so for me to go out and drop $400 on a ground blind I don't believe to be practical. I would rather go out and by an Ameristep best blind which may run in the $250 range which is compraible to a DB and have money left over the buy some extra camo or something else for my hunt. Also not to mention that Ameristep is a Michigan company there are not made in Michigan but none the less they are based out of Michigan.

This is my two cents...

[outdooralex]

.480, I am thinking about getting the T2. Is it big enough for me to draw a bow back while having my 7yr old in there with me?

[.480]

I believe that you wouldn't have any problems with a seven year old with you.
I turkey hunted out of mine with my Dad, (66 years old), I am 37.
The ground space is 5' x 7'.

[sullyxlh]

.480, I am thinking about getting the T2. Is it big enough for me to draw a bow back while having my 7yr old in there with me?If your serious about the T2,spend the little bit extra and get the matrix,a big improvement over the T2,you won't be dissapointed,if you go to the DB website,and request the brochure,they send you a dvd with it for free,alot of good kills on that one:)

[outdooralex]

I looked into the 360. Its not really the money, its the lower profile I like. The terrain I will be hunting is mainly open with taller grass. I am affraid of the Matrix being to big. If the T2 will be big enough, I would rather go with the smaller of the two. I hope I can go to Cabelas and maybe having them set one up. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[deepwoods]

I am considering getting the matrix blind. Do they set up as fast as they say? 7 seconds?

[sullyxlh]

I looked into the 360. Its not really the money, its the lower profile I like. The terrain I will be hunting is mainly open with taller grass. I am affraid of the Matrix being to big. If the T2 will be big enough, I would rather go with the smaller of the two. I hope I can go to Cabelas and maybe having them set one up. Thanks for the suggestion though.Cabelas had some set up last time I was out there,they also had some outside for there tent sale too(which is this weekend I think)both T2's and matrixs'I'd let you check mine out but I got the recurve model and it is a few inches taller than the standard matrix(67" compared to 74")I live in Romulus too so if need be you could always check mine out. I am considering getting the matrix blind. Do they set up as fast as they say? 7 seconds? :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: with practice,they do it in the vid though,so it can be done

[AZHUNTER]

I just checked ebay and they have a ton of blinds, I would give them a try.

[Gobblerman]

I'm looking at purchasing a DB matrix. I really a reliable sturdy and quiet blind. Double Bull seems make an awesome blind.

[outdooralex]

Well, I went to Cabelas last night and they didn't have the T2 in the store, they did have the 360 though. I checked it out and I liked the construction of the blind and some of its features. I did some comparing and decided on the Double Bull. The only thing is that I had to come home and ordered the T2 online. I was affraid I wasn't going to be able to use my gift card and Cabelas points when ordering through the internet but I was and it was pretty easy. I should have it next week sometime. I can't wait. Thanks for all of the suggestions and coments it really did help!!!!

[dtg]

I bought the Ameristep doghouse 4 years ago. It did survive a tumble with some high winds and suffered only a broken bungee stick in the roof. That was my fault for not securing it for high winds. It lasted 3 years before the zipper on the front window came apart, then when I went to take it down last year, the zipper on the door came undone.

Teh way I see it, it worked well for that time, and I did take deer out of it and for $110, I could 4 of those for one DB matrix. The Matrix is built like a brick S&*^house, but when money is tight, go with what you can afford, and try to stretch that dollar.

[Ack]

I am considering getting the matrix blind. Do they set up as fast as they say? 7 seconds?

Yep, it really does set up that fast! (with a little practice :D )


....I did some comparing and decided on the Double Bull.

You will definitely like the T2...a friend of mine used one this spring and took his first archery gobbler out of it....had birds at 10 yards away a couple days in a row!

You will have to buy some tent stakes to stake down the T2, but it really isn't a big deal. For my Matrix I use some of the long steel rod tent stakes from Wal Mart....only about $5 for six of them. Let us know how you like the blind when you get it!