MitchR
Posts:62
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| 08 May 2012 06:32 AM |
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I was thinking about investing in a ground blind for my next turkey, mostly for concealment but also for comfort, I am getting to old to sit on the ground next to a tree for very long. I am looking for pro's and con's to ground blinds and for recommendations on companies that produce a quality product. Thanks. |
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slaymaker
Posts:118
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| 08 May 2012 06:55 AM |
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I have used a 5 hub blind by Yukon Tracks for the last 5 years and have been happy with it. It is easy to set up and take down and plenty roomy. Here is a link to a similar model:
The inner window flaps and screens on mine zip up. To allow quick (and quiet) open and close, I sewed a large button above each window and sewed a small elastic cord loop at the corner of each inner window flap. This way I can just hook the loop on the button to close the flap. Another advantage to this is that you can pull on the window while it is hooked to stretch the loop and "peek" out without unhooking it. I paid about $110 for mine, but it looks like the price has gone down since then. Sportsman's Guide has it listed for $60 on the attached link. It weighs about 15 lbs and mine came with a zip up bag that has two handles so you can carry it on your back. It only takes about a minute to set up and take down.
The only con to it, is that the zipper on the door came unhooked so I can't zip it up any more. I just pull the two corners together and it seems to work OK still.
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| www.swiowabowhunters.org |
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MitchR
Posts:62
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| 08 May 2012 07:59 AM |
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Slaymaker,
Thank you for the input and the link which has some great savings.
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Papaw Jim
Posts:118
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| 08 May 2012 04:10 PM |
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If you're not looking for something too roomy, I use an Ameristep Chair Blind that is comfortable, light weight, has the chair attached and only takes seconds to set up. It fits easily into small areas between trees and costs around $75.00.
Papaw Jim |
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| NAHC Life Member since Sept. 2007, NRA, Wildlife Forever, avid hunter, Air Force Vet, Missionary Baptist Pastor, Grandpa of 5, married to the same wonderful woman (Ms. Nelda) for 45 years.
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jlowe69
Posts:256
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| 08 May 2012 04:58 PM |
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They make a double seat version of that too Pawpa, a bit heavy for my taste though. I've only used the single seater, plenty big for me, but sat in a double at the store, it would be tight for two, but quite roomy for one. The one I used was a loner from my cousin, he uses it as a ice fishing shanty after deer season. The simplicity of just one thing to carry, seat included I thought was very handy. Have you had yours long enough to know how well they stand up to the elements? |
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| Belief in a cruel God makes a cruel man.
Thomas Pain |
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slaymaker
Posts:118
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| 08 May 2012 05:51 PM |
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Glad I could help, Mitch. Hope you find one you like. |
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| www.swiowabowhunters.org |
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Papaw Jim
Posts:118
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| 08 May 2012 09:45 PM |
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I used mine in a light rain and some hard wind and it held up well. I'd probably balk at using it during a downpour because of where the side windows are. But it sure is convenient, lightweight and I can move from one place to another, quickly. The light metal rails make good places for hanging calls and other small equipment. It was a bit tight when using my PSE Copperhead Crossbow and my 1937 - 16 gauge Winchester with 30 inch barrel is a bit long for it.
Papaw Jim |
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| NAHC Life Member since Sept. 2007, NRA, Wildlife Forever, avid hunter, Air Force Vet, Missionary Baptist Pastor, Grandpa of 5, married to the same wonderful woman (Ms. Nelda) for 45 years.
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SteelCandy
Posts:236
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| 08 May 2012 11:08 PM |
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I use two 12'x54" screens and a short folding chair, all three together weigh about 7 lbs and cost me under $45. During archery season I use one of the screens around the tree stand so I get a few seasons use out of it. |
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MitchR
Posts:62
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| 09 May 2012 06:06 AM |
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Thank you to all that responded, you have definitely given me something to look and think about.
Mitch |
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mountain_hunter
Posts:30
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| 30 Jul 2012 09:11 PM |
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If you are still interested in opinions on ground blinds, I would go with a hub style. They are quick easy to set up and tear down with practice. The only down side I have with mine is the extra bulk and weight. If you are not trudging around to much they are the perfect bet. Shoot gun or bow and take the kids along. You can get away with some excess movement. |
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TOM IN TENNESSEE
Posts:1389
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| 01 Aug 2012 03:31 PM |
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My old arse has one ---Armisted---because I won it at a turkey banquet....tried it a cuppla times....carry too much sheit without a blind....only way I use it now is if Ol Tom is too smart and I need to set up in middle of field....otherwise, I rest my azz up again a tree sittin on one them low four legged stools and because I now fidget some, a piece of camo cloth left over from a duck blind about 8-ft long and four pieces of 1/8" rebar to hold it up. |
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| Soddy Daisy Tennessee USA,
A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone
PROUD PRO STAFFER--www.heirloomgamecalls.com, hand made , hand tuned and hand tested, Hunt ARK ducks with www.smackinquack.com
I am an uncompensated, non-attorney spokesperson |
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MitchR
Posts:62
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| 03 Aug 2012 09:22 AM |
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Hi Tom,
I have been hunting almost the same way you mentioned with a piece on camo cloth and set up agianst a tree. This year I got soaked a couple of times in the rain so I thought I would try the blind. I hunt on a small piece of property and one another hunter uses one on the property. It just seemed a little more comfortable to just set it up at the beginning of the season and leave it until the season is over. I did get one so after next season I will know...LOL
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slaymaker
Posts:118
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| 10 Aug 2012 09:44 PM |
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They are handy for keeping dry in the rain. I've been soaked a few times chasing gobblers myself before getting one. I even used it during deer shotgun season last December. It rained all night the night before and all day opening day. Normally would never consider that, but it was so wet and muddy that day, we didn't have to worry about other hunters moving around. Just have to make sure you hang some orange on the blind to be legal (at least in Iowa anyway)
What kind did you end up getting, if you don't mind my asking? Hope it works out well for you. |
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| www.swiowabowhunters.org |
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MitchR
Posts:62
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| 16 Aug 2012 11:31 AM |
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I ended up getting an Ameristep Doghouse. I set it up once on the living room floor, much to the chagrin of the Chief Financial Officer aka wife. I need to practice a few more times with the set and take down as there is a learning curve, especially the take down. The blind seems to have room enough for my needs. Now I just have to wait for turkey season. |
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jlowe69
Posts:256
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| 16 Aug 2012 11:46 AM |
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It definitely takes some practice to put the pop-ups away, especially if you have two different types. |
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| Belief in a cruel God makes a cruel man.
Thomas Pain |
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TOM IN TENNESSEE
Posts:1389
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| 16 Aug 2012 02:24 PM |
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When I won mine, I carefully watched as two experienced dudes quickly folded it up and put in bag.......before going hunting with it, I practiced set-up....five or less minutes....take down....30 or more minutes with a lot of adult language and beverages! |
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| Soddy Daisy Tennessee USA,
A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone
PROUD PRO STAFFER--www.heirloomgamecalls.com, hand made , hand tuned and hand tested, Hunt ARK ducks with www.smackinquack.com
I am an uncompensated, non-attorney spokesperson |
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jlowe69
Posts:256
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| 16 Aug 2012 02:27 PM |
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I here ya Tom, then after you think you got it down pat you hunt in it and start again. lol |
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| Belief in a cruel God makes a cruel man.
Thomas Pain |
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MitchR
Posts:62
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| 18 Aug 2012 08:00 AM |
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Tom,
When I was trying to get it folded I created some new "adult language". if I would have added in adult beverages I probably would still be trying to get that thing folded and put in that small container...LOL
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jlowe69
Posts:256
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| 18 Aug 2012 09:22 AM |
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Then suddenly it is easy as pie to put away, until next year. lol |
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| Belief in a cruel God makes a cruel man.
Thomas Pain |
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Big Dawg
Posts:557
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| 18 Aug 2012 10:31 AM |
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The Sportsmans Guide has the biggest selection I have seen and they offer them at hard to beat prices. http://www.sportsmansguide.com |
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| LM NAHC, LM NSSF, LRRP Competitor Shooter/Spotter.
Never Quit !
All the Way !
No Man Shall Be Left Behind ! |
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