What do you guys think of portable blinds? Do they work? What features are important? Double Bull seem to be a high end blind(maybe a little too high end) and Ameristep appears to be good quality and reasonably priced way to go. Anyone out there have experience with the Double Bull or Ameristep blinds?

How do you plan using the blind?

In a lot of circumstances, a length of cam netting, a little string and pair of garden secateurs can go a long way to producing a very servicable temp blind in the field....

I have one, they work pretty good.
I have used mine in the woods and deer will come inside 20 yards of the thing trying to figure it out. They usually notice it about 35-40 yards away though. (enough time for you to shoot that deer several times over)

I think they would be perfect on the edge of a field or powerline, tucked just inside of the tree line. I have only used mine on a powerline twice, but didn't see any deer.

Just be smart and use the terrain to your advantage, don't set the thing up in the middle of a field or anything.

I've had excellent bowhunting success out of the Ameristep products.

Ann,

Could you share some details on your bowhunting successes? I'm sure they would be entertaining as well as informative. Thanks.

What do you pay for a good blind? Are they easy to Pack?

If you do not have blaze orange requirement, then check out this site. I have used the product and am very happy with it.

Ghillie Suits

Pete

Found some good deals on E-bay. I just picked up an Ameristep Penthouse in Mossy Oak. Hope it works out well. After I have some field experience with it, I'll post any pros/cons.

If you have any field experience with these or any other ground blinds, please share with us. Thanks.

I want one without a bottom so I can pick it up and move in on the deer LOL Just kidding. I always am able to construct some before season on location with cedar tree cuttings. Good scent coverup too. Probably can't do this on public hunting land.

I have been using the one from Game Tracker for 2 seasons, its the one with the carbon scent absorber sewn in.

If you don't place it correctly, with a proper background it will spook deer.

Tie some florescent orange surveyor's ribbon to the outside, I had one guy spot my face thru the open window and mistake me for a whitetail.

I use a modified shooting stick for a rest, the windows are not stable enough.

If you put a thin layer of silicone calk on the stiches, they are quite waterproof.

Mine is also a great windbreak.

Mine packs very well.

I've had more fun with it for squirrel hunting than anything else. take a folding chair and a good book, then set up in a good area in big timber and shoot a few with the .22 mag, wait till they forget about the noise and repeat as needed.

[ 03-26-2003, 05:47: Message edited by: TERRY8mm ]

Thanks Terry. Great post! I like the squirrel hunting idea.

I've heard the stories on hunters shooting into the blinds....scary!!!! I'll definitely be marking mine with some H-Orange.

Used the Ameristep outhouse blinds deer hunting with my 12 year-old son last year. We had several turkeys wander around several times but didn't see any deer. I think the blinds did a good job of consealing our motion. I'm a firm believer in adding some orange tape on the outside.
Gene