Pop-up Blind recommendation, Please share your expertise!

[cpileri]

I am looking for a pop-up blind that is EASY to set up; as in "PRESTO! Its up and ready- a true 'pop' up , if such a thing exists.

I have never bought one before, so i need recommendations.

Of course, if someone tells me that the "instant set up" blinds are flimsy pieces of junk; then i will want other options.

So let me say that i am looking for one as follows;
-small, ground level
-2 person, one adult and one child (so we can be sorta close together)
-sturdy
-quiet when sticking the barrel out between the netting
and,
-if it matters, one that fits in to central Texas (Belton Lake/Dana Creek Park area): i.e Cedar, Oak, rocks

Any other considerations i, in my ignorance, have not thought about; please share and recommend.

Thanks in advance for your expertise!
C-

 

[jbkebert]

I am looking for a pop-up blind that is EASY to set up; as in "PRESTO! Its up and ready- a true 'pop' up , if such a thing exists.

I bought a model from a company called hunters view. A cheap Dick's sporting goods blind. It definatly pops and is ready to be staked down and go. That part is nice, Try folding one of those darn things up when your done hunting and you'll be frustrated beyond belief. I now use a matrix blind by double bull. The top and sides pop out like a umbrella with a cord at each center point for the sides and top. Much easier to fold up. The bag is long and skinny and comes with shoulder straps. The other is a doughnut looking thing that snags everything in the timber.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Any small ground blind will do. Mine is a "Doghouse" from Wal-Mart.

Ground blinds are like tree stands in one thing -- it's best if you use them on private land, so you can put them out early and someone else doesn't steal them.

 

[Kernel]

I also use a Doghouse. IIRC it's made by a company called Ameri-Step, or something like that. Two folding chairs will fit in it nicely, that's how I got my son started. Set up is a snap. I does just "pop up" all by itself. Getting it back folded down is a lot harder, but eventually you figure out the trick.

I also like the newer style Chair-blinds that are on the market, also made by Ameri-Step. I belive they have a two chair model. The only down side to it is it has a blind spot to the rear, where as in the Doghouse you can look out in 360. Not an issue depending on where you set it up. Like right next to a big tree, brush pile, or a big round bale.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

It sounds like a double bull would fill all of the requirements exept setting itself up. Any adult can easily learn to set hte blind up in under 15 seconds however. A non region specific camo tends to blend best ie Nat Gear, or predator.

 

[Kingcreek]

I use a double bull matrix. great blind but cabela's sells a predator den blind, very similar for about 1/2 the cost. I think double bull has an agreement with the manufacturor and cabela's.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

in the Doghouse you can look out in 360.

But be careful. If you have the "windows" open, any movement you make can be skylined against a window.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Pop-up blinds...

Cpileri--Another vote here for the Ameristep Doghouse--pull it out of its bag and "Flomp!" it unfolds itself; then you maneuver the 4 sides to where you want them, stake down the corners if you want to, tie the guy cords if you want to, step inside and put in place the 2 fiberglass rods that hold the roof up, and you're done. About as simple and quick as it gets. One person can do the set-up, or take-down, in 5 minutes or less with practice.

I have a friend with one paralysed arm who uses Ameristep Doghouses specifically because they are easy for him to handle.

Doghouses come with shoot-thru camo screens for the windows, but they're only for archery; you don't shoot through the screens with a firearm. They also come with silhouette-resistant liners, so if the sun is rising behind you, you don't get busted by the deer.

As was pointed out, you have to manage the windows carefully so you can see where you want but the deer can't see you.

There is a super-Doghouse that is half again as big as the standard one. I bought one such by mistake, and recently gave it to a bud who will be hunting with his daughter--it's very roomy for 2 persons. The regular Doghouse is OK for 2 adults--I've done that, but not by choice. For an adult and a youngster it'd work pretty well I suppose. The super Doghouse sets up just like the regular one.

Have used Ameristep Doghouse blinds for years, and expect to continue doing so. Be careful and gentle with the zippers--they are sturdy enough but just barely so.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

stake down the corners if you want to, tie the guy cords if you want to, step inside and put in place the 2 fiberglass rods that hold the roof up, and you're done.

I always stake mine out tightly.

But then I hunt on my own property. I scout and put out my Stealthcam, and two weeks before the season opens, my doghouse is up, shooting lanes cut, and the deer have time to get used to it. When you leave it up for a couple of weeks, you need to stake it down and put out the guylines.