Anybody up on ground blinds???

tod osier

Well-known member
Supporter
I've never really paid attention to ground blinds, they have never really suited my style of hunting, but with Gus this fall I'd like to be able to get out for some quickie hunts with him and having a ground blind to plop him in and hide his movement would be really nice. I'm thinking archery deer, rifle deer and spring turkey.

Who makes the best ones, what is the best make and model? Features I should think about or shun?

Thanks,

tod
 
Tod'

I've have a ground blind for several years now that has been used for deer and turkey hunting forays. It would be one that I would recommend for a variety of reasons. The model I have is made by Double Bull. Mine is a much older model than the one in the link but the base dimensions are the same.

The pros and cons.

Pro; Sets up quickly. Once you have set it up a couple times you will find it to be quite simple and fast and easy to do even in the dark. Also,, NO LOOSE PARTS. The blind and frame are permanently connected, only the stakes are separate. nothing to lose.

Free standing yet can also be staked.

Thick fabric walls. Heavier fabric blocks almost all the outside light avoiding shadows being cast onto the blind walls. Having the interior dark also makes it easier to hide movement within the blind. The heavier fabric is also less likely to make a bunch of strange noises in the wind.

Large size. This is a real plus with a child or multiple occupants. I've had three people in my blind during turkey season. A shooter, a caller, and a videographer to document the clients hunt.

Con; Heavy physical weight. This blind does come in a nice carry case which can be slung over the shoulder and or back for carry. It's not too bad unless you want to hike over an extended distance. (something you might not be doing with a child anyway.)

One thing to consider when choosing any blind is window height. Make sure Gus can comfortably see to observe and shoot. This one is also big enough I have even laid prone for a short (ahem) nap or two now and then. ;>) ;>)

Hope this helps.
 
Last edited:
Tod - We use them extensively here hunting the fields here in Illinois. I wouldn't own anything but an Avery Finisher... Period!
 
[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica][/font]
[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]I'm thinking archery deer, rifle deer and spring turkey. [/font]


Pat,

Tod is looking for a blind to hunt deer and turkey. Are you saying that you use an Avery Finisher for deer and turkey hunting? I can't imagine how one would shoot a bow while using a Finisher. (I have thought about using this style of blind with my handgun for deer tho.)
 
Tod:

No I'm usually down in one...

Sorry Just couldn't help myself..

Yep got one Plain kaki - matches Tanana River mud real well, and still easy to grass in for Delta Barley fields.
Avery Finisher, but they all work,
 
Double Bull does seem to make the best one on the market. They have great customer service too. One of the guys in my club had his basically eaten by a bear when he left it out overnight. Shredded the cover, and broke all of the poles. They were able to patch and sew it back together and replaced the poles as warenty work when ha thought he was going to just have to throw it away.
 
Thanks Dave,

Does anyone have a comment on if they are any major problems now that they are a Primos product?
 
it's a drive for you, but go see what they have at Cabelas. That way you can "touch" it, instead of just looking at a picture in a catalog.

Jim
 
Dang! My bust!! I have duck and goose on the brain. Sorry Tod, although, we've had deer run through our decoy spread here in Central Illinois... :)
 
Thanks Dave, I ordered a double bull. As an additional note, you and Gavin both passed the reading comprehension portion of the test!
 
[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]
As an additional note, you and Gavin both passed the reading comprehension portion of the test!

Hehehe I was wondering about that! ha


Tod,

Like I said, mine is several years older and I see that several changes have been made. Still, I'm guessing you will not be disappointed in your purchase. If memory serves me right, I follow the erecting instructions ( at least the ones provided at the time) pretty closely but with a couple minor variations. I only mention this because some reviews I read said they had trouble breaking the support rods. I have to suspect that the users were/are forcing the product, resulting in breakage. I've never broke one and mines been up and down too many times to count.

When your blind arrives, send me a PM with your phone number and I'll give you a call and we can discuss some tips and tricks.
[/font]
 
Tod,
I would suggest getting a Double Bull. You might be able to find a used Matrix on ebay or other classifieds. I thought Cabelas was stocking them for awhile, but I don't see them in their catalogs anymore.
My dad and I have a pair of Double Bulls, and in my opinion they are the best on the market. The quality of the blinds is impressive, and the fabric is durable, quiet, and non-reflective. Their customer service (in the past) was excellent when we have broken a few of the fiberglass rods. I don't know how things are now that they are owned by Primos, but I heard the two original owners stayed on as some for of consultants? I would think their new blinds would be good as well, but I can't say for sure as I don't own one.
They are great for introducing kids to the woods as you can stay out of the rain/snow, whisper to each other, hide your movement, and eat poptarts. They sure make sitting in one spot for hours on end a lot more tolerable.
Here's a few pictures of them in the woods.
-Neil

Picture1544-1.jpg


03000637.jpg


02171700.jpg

 
That's a serious looking GROUND BLIND. If my dad needs to replace his current one I'll recommend this one to him. Turns 79 next week and still chasing the turkeys and deer.
 
Back
Top