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Does anyone have any recommendations regarding ground blinds when hunting with a crossbow? I sat in one last season that had an integrated seat but it was awkward as hell, especially when "nature called". I also found it very tight inside, what with the width and depth of the blind.
I have used the Ameristep Doghouse and the Bone Collector very successfully in past years. I have shot bears, deer and turkey from them. Set them up at home before the hunt then get your desired seat, bow, gear and do a few trial sits. You will come to see your limitations and distances for the limbs, your arrow and screens, among other useful tips for your setup.
outback
What Outback said. The type of crossbow you are using makes a big difference. The non-matrix excals are really wide and can be tricky.
Compound crossbow works for me but with my excalibur I need a hub blind. So hub would be ideal.Quote:
Originally Posted by Species8472
I have 2 ameristep bone collector blinds very happy with them lots of room to use a crossbow even with 2 people in there I can even stand up and stretch out in it to
I shoot an Excaliber Equinox and my son shoots the Axiom from these blinds. The Bone collector has a hole in the center of the shoot through mesh. When I look through the scope I will open my other eye to be sure the arrow will clear the hemmed seam around the hole. Takes a few times trying to get your sight lines figured out but pays off in the end. I don't like to shoot through the mesh, haven't yet but don't trust it.
outback
I use BigDog blind with my Exomax.Never had a problem shooting, and A1 customer service.
As mentioned above, the Ameristep hub-style blinds have ample space for a crossbow. I've used an Exocet in mine with no problems. My only complaints would be that some of the windows (on the model I had) were a little high but you could remedy that with whatever seat you decide to use. I prefer a lower seat so that I can rest my elbow on my knee to shoot. The corner windows were lower and I would just set the blind up with one corner facing the main trail.
The other problem was that snow load would collapse the roof hub and make for a very, very noisy job when you arrive in the morning darkness. I fixed that by cutting a pole to the right length and propping it under the center hub when I wasn't using the blind. Of course, that's not a problem if you pack it in and out with you each time.
I used the past tense when referring to the blind because it got completely destroyed in a wind storm just before last year's gun opener for deer. I guess I'm in the market for a new one as well.
I hear ya GW11. My Bone Collector is in pretty bad shape as I had left it out all winter and it collapsed. I cleared it off a few times and popped it back up however the last few wet snows shattered a coupla the poles. I was out a few days ago and busted up the huge chunk of ice that formed on the top then poped it up. I took a bungie cord trough the top pullout handle and wrapped it around the overhanging branches. Looks like she's ready for another possible turkey spot. Gotta see if I can pick up some of the fibreglass hub poles to replace a few broken ones. My Ameristep Doghouse has been setup on the same property for 2 full years and has never collapsed under the snow load. This winter the snow was up almost over the window.
outback
a medium style hub blind should be the ticket
Just picked up an Altan safe outdoors Den blind , looks good we will see.
I have a 2" cut below the window [scoped Xcal] remember to clear the window with your arrow, not just the scope.:ashamed:
Thanks for the advice guys! I spent most of my time last season in tree stands and although I really enjoyed the view, my fear of heights meant I would be concentrating too much on not falling out of the tree, hence my shopping around for a blind, lol
Use ladderstands or a climber vs hang ons. I also have a fear of heights. Found the ladders work the best but if not possible buy a summit climber.Quote:
Originally Posted by bhanley
i use a primos double bull double wide blind.. hub style and it is amazing.. has the 180 degree view window, absolutely tons of room and top quality blind.. however, it's expensive and the only, and i mean only, thing i don't like about it.. it's quite heavy.. the carry case for it is a single strap case which makes it akward to carry.. but in terms of the blind itself, amazing.. very roomy, very comfortable, great for gun, compound bow and crossbow hunters alike, easy to set up and take down.. i love it, of all the blinds i have used this is my absolute favourite.
i agree raven, i have used hang on stands for years but bought a second hand climber not too long ago and absolutely love it.. climb as high or low as i want or as the weather would allow me to.. can turn around in the tree to facilitate changing winds and/or deer activity.. can
climb down and move locations if deer activity changes.. absolutely love them.. hang on's are hand because you don't have to carry extra stuff in and out of the woods, but for sheer freedom, climbers are the best
As I'm doing some blind shopping myself, I have noticed that ALL the Ameristep products have a 1yr exchange warranty at Crappy Tire. For those of you with broken blinds due to heavy snow loads etc, you may be able to get them replaced if you ask nicely! As for my decision, I'm stuck between the massive shooting window of the Doghouse or the added interior space of the hub styles, any last minute thoughts would be appreciated. FYI, I'll be using it for Xbow(Matrix) and shotgun/rifle with one or two large men.
If you are two large men than your options are pretty limited and I would say the potential for a limb hitting the blind wall would be high.Quote:
Originally Posted by JDRC
I would go with the hub blind for the added space. The doghouse can work (for one person) but it will be cramped and less comfortable.
Bone Collector makes a solid blind, enough room my son & I can both sit comfortably with compounds, grab some masking tape, lay the blind your thinking of buying out on the ground/floor, grab a chair and your bow, it'll become obvious quick.
Waiting on a Amer Doghouse to be delivered to Cabela's Barrie. Will be my first blind and chosen largely do to Outback's (thank you sir) experiences/ reviews.
Pretty exited to try it out during the bowhunt.
I use the Promos Double Wide Double Bull blind...it's easy to set up and has tons of room...Quote:
Originally Posted by bhanley
I have this hub blind as well for my Excalibur. I found the windows a little high as well. I built a home made crossbow tripod rest. Makes life a lot easier.Quote:
Originally Posted by GW11
In terms of "nature calls" just bring a large bottle with you. Saves getting in and out of the blind. Don't know about you but every time I get in the blind I have to go in tem minutes or less. Just cap it off and take it home for emptying.
I have yet to use my Ghost Blind Predator this year. So far it seems really cool playing pretend in the living room:silly:
I have an Excalibur, so I'm not gonna worry about space, considering its an open blind.
I use a 2x2 frame and tie strap natural cover to it.....works great and you can make it as big or small as you want....only costs a few bucks for the wood
Due to the wind looking like it will push me out of my #1 spot I might be taking my new doghouse (picking up from Cabela's Barrie Fri) out of the package and into the bush on Sat morning.
Luckily it looks like it's easy to put up. Taking down properly, however, seems to be the thing that takes practice.
Anyone have any idea if they stink of "new" out of the box? Thinking I'll try to set it up on the lawn Fri evening and leave it out in the rain all night.... maybe that'll help.
Takedown does take a bit of know-how (folding the big loops into little loops).Quote:
Originally Posted by Rugger
There are youtube videos showing you how. Well worth the time if you don't know how. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7KGEEVqgU4
Thanks Werner, that's where I got the idea that it might take a little practice. I've seen it, now I've just got to do it.