Ground blinds

[jigger08]

I would like to get a ground blind this year and I'm looking for opinions and experiences that you fine people may be willing to share.I am interested in a model that is both bow and gun friendly,thanks.

[wildcoy73]

ameristep g30 is a nice blind just make sure what ever blind you buy has shadow gaurd in it been using its sisster the doghouse for three years and never had a problem with it

[Tru-N-Sea]

I use the AmeriStep Doghouse and love it. It blends in really good in almost every setting. It has the shadow guard as well.

Heres my Doghouse situated in some pines on the edge of a field.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h287/CaptnKirk/blind2.jpg

Captn---

[Ack]

Two words.....Double Bull! While they are costly, it is well worth the investment in the long run to get a quality blind like a DB Matrix.

http://www.doublebullarchery.com/matrix360.html

Some advantages of the DB over the competition are....

-heavy poly/cotton construction with no-shine, no-flap fabric.

-no zippers or velcro on the windows.

-quick set up....no more than 10 seconds (with practice!).

-Infinite window adjustments, plus 360 degree viewing.

-Lifetime warranty...just pay the shipping to DB

If a all possible compare a Double Bull with another brand side by side....I think you will see why they are one of the best ground blinds on the market!

[walleyechaser]

Whatever you choose, make sure to sit in one before purchasing it. Preferably do so with a bow in hand to make sure you have adequate
ceiling clearance when drawing.
While almost all of them work well with a gun not all are created equal
when it comes to bow hunting.
If cost is not a factor the Double Bull can't be beat otherwise, shop around
and check for surface glare when standing back a ways. The more glare,
the more you have to "brush" the blind in as some will stick out like a sore
thumb when viewed from a distance.
They sure are nice when its raining or snowing and a small propane heater
really warms them up nicely.

[woodie slayer]

wife has shot deer with gun and bow out of her lucky tent...for bow hunting we found it takes about 3 days for deer to get used to it though..

[jigger08]

Thanks for the opinions guys.I'll make a run to Gander Mountain and see what they are offering.

[redwingsdude]

I'm going to tell you that Double Bull makes the best blinds out there. It's up to you if it's worth the price or not, but they do have the best product.

[TIMfromTroy]

Anyone not using a tree stand at my camp uses the Doghouse from Ameristep. You can usually find them on sale for $60-$70. I'm not saying it is the greatest blind out there but I think it's a good blind at a good price.
It's up to you how much you want to spend.

[dtg]

If I could afford it, I'd be goign with a Double bull as well. I don't know how well two bowhunters would fit in it, but I love the Predator camo and the slip window design. My ameristep worked fine for 2 years, then the front zipper came undone and now it's open all the time, allowing light in when i don't want it. The fabric is stretched so tight, it's a bear to open the zippers on that thing, if they'd just upgrade to a heavier duty zipper or do a laced up cord(for a silent opening), it would be a vast improvement. I'm not fond of zippers on blinds, they make WAY TOO MUCH noise. You've spent extra time to sneak out to your blind, played the wind and now that you've finally arrived, you sit down, reach over and ZZZZZIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIP,, tug, tug, ZZZZZIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPP:dizzy:

[hedaman]

Although the Double Bull is the best on the market and well worth the money the ASAT Quickie Blind from Eastman comes very close in comparison as quailty and durabilty.
At half the price you would pay for a Double Bull , it might be something worth looking into.

[jrsoup]

We hunt out of the Lucky's tents. Great product. Cordura material is quiet, wind and waterproof with window rests for gun hunting. windows open wide for bow shooting also. Even use them goose hunting in certain situations.

[M1Garand]

One thing I'd like to add is when you set it up find somewhere that breaks up the outline of it or even pile some brush around it. Otherwise, deer will notice it. Tru-N-Sea has a great picture of blending it with the surroundings.

[huntingfool43]

Take a look at the Ameristep Intimidator 360. IMO it is just as good as a Double Bull and a lot cheaper. You can get one off the internet for around 200, thats half the price of a Matrics and it has the magnetic window cover so it is quite.

[Ack]

Take a look at the Ameristep Intimidator 360. IMO it is just as good as a Double Bull and a lot cheaper. You can get one off the internet for around 200, thats half the price of a Matrics and it has the magnetic window cover so it is quite.

Just curious....have you ever used a Double Bull? I think it basically comes down to the fact that with blinds you get what you pay for...if you are willing to shell out a little more cash, you will be getting a better blind.

[huntingfool43]

Just curious....have you ever used a Double Bull? I think it basically comes down to the fact that with blinds you get what you pay for...if you are willing to shell out a little more cash, you will be getting a better blind.

NO I have not and will not shell out twice as much for one when there are other blinds that work as well. The Intimodator is a hub type blind, a cloth material that is wayer proof and quiet, shadow gaurd interior, scent containment system, shoot through screens, 360 degree visability, magnetic window curtain etc. What dose the DB have that the Imtimidator don't? When DB first came out they mat have been better but not any more.

[old graybeard]

I wated alot of time and money on various blinds and in the end I forked over the money for a Double Bull and finally have something worth using;)

[walleyein]

Double bull they are a real nice blind.

[bowcraze30]

I use the AmeriStep Doghouse and i generally works pretty well just be sure to sit it in some brush and hide it really well.

[jigger08]

You fellows are really giving me some solid ideas.I think Cabelas is in the near future to see as many models as possible.

[mb_of_the_mills]

I bought an Ameristep doghouse blind a few years ago, but had to take it back due to clearance. I'm 6'4" and I just couldn't sit comfortably and draw. I went with the penthouse blind instead, and have used it for several years. If I could change anything, I would make the blind out of a cloth material. The blind is made of nylon which makes a high pitched sound if a branch rubs against it. I know some guys that use Lucky's ground blind and they love them

[Ack]

If I could change anything, I would make the blind out of a cloth material. The blind is made of nylon which makes a high pitched sound if a branch rubs against it.

Double Bull uses a heavy poly/cotton fabric...doesn't shine in the sun and is very quiet.

[sasquatchpa]

Mr. Ack, are you paid by double bull to promote their products?


And to the original question, an Ameristep doghouse can be used for gun only if you're much over 6', but is ok for archery and gun if you're under 6'.

I'm not paid to promote anything, I do work with my hands and hunt on that budget.

[Frantz]

I started a small poll on blinds in the sound off area. I have no idea why I started it there, but, that is where it is at.

I am curious, I am looking for a ground blind as well. Do you guys do anything during storage or before season for scent? Myself, I already have all my bow gear buckets with apples. Have been doing it for years and have not washed any of the outerwear since I purchased it. Always nice and apple fresh. Do you guys do anything for your popup blinds or are they pretty scent free?

Thanks for the info.

[Ack]

Mr. Ack, are you paid by double bull to promote their products?


And to the original question, an Ameristep doghouse can be used for gun only if you're much over 6', but is ok for archery and gun if you're under 6'.

I'm not paid to promote anything, I do work with my hands and hunt on that budget.

Not at all......and I'm sure Double Bull doesn't pay anyone to promote their blinds...the quality and results speak for themselves. I only use products that I believe in and KNOW will hold up to my style of hunting, no matter what the cost. I know that I will probably never have to buy another ground blind again unless something new and improved comes out on the market. I am just trying to help others look at all the angles before buying a ground blind that might not hold up over time...that's all.

[Dking(MI)]

I have an ameristep brickhouse blind, the first hub style for ameristep. IT works good, but the material ripped out around the hub pocket, you do get what you pay for.
Just remember to set your blind out at least a couple weeks before you hunt in it, so the deer get used to it. That is why I am not a huge fan of portable blinds.

[thebellman]

save money and time, buy a lucky's!

http://www.luckyshuntingblinds.com/

[mi_fiveo]

Another vote for the dog house blind. Easy to use and transport.

[marty]

I get paid by nobody for blinds but I do hunt hard. I stay on the gound due to a medical condition. I've tried various blinds and finally broke down and bought a double bull. Ameristep makes a fine blind but IMO their zippers do not hold up well. I for sure hate velcro for windows period. DB windows system is hands down the best made. Just my 2.........m:D