Recommendations for a ground blind.

[fugawi]

Looking for recommendations for a ground blind for deer hunting. My hot spot is near a deer trail that doesn't have much space for a blind with a large footprint. I usually stand and am 6'2" tall so I'd like something with enough headroom. Plus those sneaky buggers like to cross behind me sometimes (deer trails everywhere) so I'd like one roomy enough to turn around in and with windows on all sides. Durable, not too hot inside and somewhat waterproof would be nice with reversible woods/snow cam if possible.

Would also be good if it broke down and set up easily and quickly and was backpackable for walking in from the truck.

Suggestions? Thanks.

 

[heavyBullet]

I have two Ameristep tents, a two man doghouse, and the one man outhouse . The outhouse has a small footprint, and I can stand up in it, though I am only 5'8, but I think its 6.5ft tall. I believe they sell a snow camo cover for it. Both tents are water resistant, NOT waterproof, but if you seam seal all the seams you will not get wet, the water will only leak in from the window and door zippers, but will just run down the wall and not get you wet. Both come in a pouch which has straps that you can use to carry on your back.

 

[fugawi]

I have two Ameristep tents, a two man doghouse, and the one man outhouse . The outhouse has a small footprint, and I can stand up in it, though I am only 5'8, but I think its 6.5ft tall. I believe they sell a snow camo cover for it. Both tents are water resistant, NOT waterproof, but if you seam seal all the seams you will not get wet, the water will only leak in from the window and door zippers, but will just run down the wall and not get you wet. Both come in a pouch which has straps that you can use to carry on your back.

Thanks heavyBullet. I'm considering the Ameristep. How long have you been using them? How have your's held up (wear and tear)? Easy and quick to set up - I'll be moving in and setting up under the cover of darkness? Not sure if I'll leave it set up from one day to the next as I hunt crown land.

Anyone else using anything different in a small footprint ground blind? Thanks.

 

[Morpheus32]

I have a couple of double bull blinds. Expensive but well worth it. I love mine. They are waterproof and keep you comfortable and dry during the worst weather.

I have a couple of Ameristeps as well. Only issue I have with the cheaper blinds tends to be that the frame will collapse with snow or heavy water on the roof. Rather irritating....

 

[fugawi]

Can you tell me more about these double bull blinds? Is that the trade mark? What kind of foot print? I need something that's tall but not too large a foot print. Thanks.

 

[heavyBullet]

I guess once you decide on how much you want to spend, the easier it will be to answer your question. The Double Bull is made by Primus, and there is a few different models, and it is more of a Cadillac compared to the Ameristep. I think I paid $35 U.S for my Ameristep, here they sell for around $75, and I believe the Double Bulls are anywhere between $200 -400, Morpheus would know better.

I have used mine for two seasons, and each time I have left it out for a month at a time, and so far no problems. As for snow, the most I have had on it in a couple inches, but it definitely would not hold a lot, that's for sure.

Takes me about 10min to set it up, its really easy. Its made with spring steal, so you just pop it open and then install two flexible tent poles, a few tent pegs and your good to go.

Would love to have a Cadillac, but I do not have that kind of cash for something I use only a week and half a year, but if I was using one a lot more, I would look into a better quality one.

 

[fugawi]

...Would love to have a Cadillac, but I do not have that kind of cash for something I use only a week and half a year, but if I was using one a lot more, I would look into a better quality one.

I hear you. One good thing about a cheap(er) blind is if its stolen or wrecked, you're not out of pocket a lot of cash. I've made ground blinds out of tree branches and the like then come back the next weekend to see them trashed.

Same thing happened to one of my hunting buddies.

 

[USP]

Here is my Ameristep Bone Collector. It survived a huge storm and flood. Mostly dry on the inside. Setup is easy, the first time the sides are very stiff, but after it going up once its fine. Take down is maybe 2 minutes then it goes in its own backpack.

Lots of room. Could fit two large lawn chairs and my pop up picnic table in there no problem, along with a few packs and gun rack. Weight of blind is about 20lbs.

 

[Mount Sweetness]

natural blinds, a few of them

 

[fugawi]

Here is my Ameristep Bone Collector. It survived a huge storm and flood. Mostly dry on the inside. Setup is easy, the first time the sides are very stiff, but after it going up once its fine. Take down is maybe 2 minutes then it goes in its own backpack.

Lots of room. Could fit two large lawn chairs and my pop up picnic table in there no problem, along with a few packs and gun rack. Weight of blind is about 20lbs.

Thanks but I'm looking for a small footprint something no bigger than - I dunno, I'm not out in the field to measure my spot but I'd say 4'x4'. Tall enough since I'm 6'2". I have trees all around me and deadfalls with shooting lanes but I still need to stay still and move very slowly when I do. Its right next to a bedding area and the convergence of a number of trails with an ATV track. Its been productive for years but I'd like more cover as I've had a few deer cross behind me or come up beside me from behind. A small blind would make it easier to scan all the way around plus give me a little protection from the elements.

And portable if I have to move to a different location.

 

[USP]

When I talked to alot of people here, the opinions were either get something small like the doghouse, or something larger. Im taller than you and like a big blind. Its not as big as it looks, but if your going to be in one for several hours, why not have a bit of room if you hunt with a buddy.

My blind has lots of options on coverings for the windows and removeable ports, it has 360 view. You can close most of the ports, the mesh you can shoot through with bows/bolts and it has multiple gun ports. Keeps out the bugs to.

 

[49er1]

I usually carry a camo netting so if Im really pushed for space or have an off area I want to be concealed in I just cover myself up in the came netting and lay and wait, not the best but does in a pinch, and can help to add cover to a blind also.

 

[rookie wildcat]

I have the Ameristep 1 and 2 man dog houses. I rarely use the 1-man. Even alone, I just like the extra room of the 2-man. When my wife or another hunting partner is out with me, there is still enough room for them and both of our gear.

I like the fact that when it is super cold, there is room by myself for a nice quiet alcohol stove set up on a small table in my 2-man blind that keeps my apple cider and hot chocolate warm if I need it.

It also doubled as an impromptu fishing shack a couple of times this past winter.

 

[49er1]

man I have been missing out last time I sat out in a snow store with no covering Im going to have to invest in some sort of blind for this season

 

[Ftaview]

Just get one of these, we have 4 of them and they hold up really well, lots of room for a single person, a chair, your backpack, gun, and takes about 30 seconds to pop up and stake it down......

http://www.ameristep.com/blinds/outhouse.html

 

[heavyBullet]

Yup, that's the outhouse like mine, but with a different pattern. I like having the ability to stand up and stretch my legs in this blind.

My youngest daughter came hunting with me last year, and we used my doghouse blind, and the one thing I noticed after she left was the change in temperature inside the blind. Having that second person in there really adds some warmth.

 

[fugawi]

I usually carry a camo netting so if Im really pushed for space or have an off area I want to be concealed in I just cover myself up in the came netting and lay and wait, not the best but does in a pinch, and can help to add cover to a blind also.

I might do the same. Past couple years its been warm and fairly dry so no real need for a blind. There have been times in the past where I froze though. But its those sneaky deer that pass behind you - I'm thinking I could scan all the way around with less chance of spooking one by my movement. That and maybe more scent control.