Pop Up Blinds and Crossbows

BryanOney · Post by **BryanOney** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 9:49 pm

Want to try a pop up blind with a crossbow next year. A crossbow takes more space to shoot than a compound. What is a good roomy pop up blind that would work well shooting a crossbow. What do people sit on in these things. Would a 5 gallon bucket or a lawn chair be best.

shurite44 · Post by **shurite44** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:52 pm

I have the Ameristep Grizzly. I think I paid around 70 bucks off ebay. It is 5x5 and you can almost stand in it, it has vertical sides. The windows open up three different configurations. One is a small square hole about 1x1, then a large horizontal window 1x3, or you can have shoot through screens over the 1x1 square window.

It is plenty of room for just myself, sometimes my 11 year old son and I are in it together and it is a little tight. Usually if we are together I don't take my xbow.

So far I have no complaints, for the price it is a descent product.

I just took out a couple old lawn chairs. I think it is best to have two chairs, that way you can switch sides to shoot without moving your chair.

VixChix · Post by **VixChix** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:55 pm

Actually, I found that my compound took up more room than my Vixen, mostly because of the extra room it took to for me to draw (my elbow space, etc.)

I have an Ameristep Outhouse blind (small dia.) which is large enough. I have been busted however by slight movement of the bow because it is so close to the window. Am hoping that my next blind will have shoot thru mesh to eliminate that problem. Maybe a Double Bull blind?

If you're not going to be relocating too often, go bigger. But if you'll be hauling it around on your back quite a bit, lighter is nicer. I use a little folding stool that I can tuck right in the carrier that the blind comes in. I've also hauled in a small heater in that bag for the cold days. Didn't take me long to decide that blinds are the way to go!

Digger · Post by **Digger** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 11:36 pm

I have the Aneristep doghouse that works well with a xbow.

mtbyak · Post by **mtbyak** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 4:39 am

I have the Hunters View Wigwam (5X5) & find it very comfortable with my Xbow.

I use a lawn chair without armrests in it & love it.

In the coulder weather I use one of those folding stadium seat cushions on the chair & can sit all day in the tent quite comfortably.

Shoot Straight
Kirk

Brampton Mike · Post by **Brampton Mike** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 5:04 am

I have used the Ameristep Outhouse in the past and it was too small so now I use the Ameristep Doughouse and it is PERFECT!!!

Brampton Mike

Pydpiper · Post by **Pydpiper** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 7:34 am

I have a cheapie, only bought it because of the shoot through mesh.

On the weekend I was in Bass Pro, they had a small foam seat that fit on top of a 5 gallon pail (pail not included) and the foam pad swiveled silently, made for this application. Looked a lot like the ice fishing one commonly seen, but with a swivel.

wabi · Post by **wabi** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 9:01 am

I use the Ameristep Doghouse (5' x 5') and find it has enough room.

Woody Williams · Post by **Woody Williams** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 9:28 am

This is the one I have. Plenty of room for TWO hunters..

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=321445

Another one that looks good..

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=277914

huntin1 · Post by **huntin1** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 3:29 pm

I've used an Ameristep Doghouse for several years, both with a vertical bow and a crossbow. It is large enough for either.

This christmas I bought myself a present, an Ameristep Signature series "Intimidator" blind,

Have not had a chance to use it yet, but it is quite a bit nicer than the doghouse. The material is different, it is softer and has no glare at all.

Ameristep Blinds

huntin1

Golden Eagle · Post by **Golden Eagle** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 4:10 pm

I got the doghouse for Christmas. I will try it in the Spring. It looks roomy.

Makomachine · Post by **Makomachine** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 4:37 pm

I've got a Double Bull Matrix that I like very well - although this will be my first turkey season with it.

Hipwader · Post by **Hipwader** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 4:46 pm

Ameristep Doghouse for me !!

VixChix · Post by **VixChix** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 4:52 pm

Makomachine wrote:I've got a Double Bull Matrix that I like very well - although this will be my first turkey season with it.

Ooooo... The DB Matrix! That's what I'd love to have!

BigBird-VA · Post by **BigBird-VA** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 5:34 pm

I've taken a few animals from a Double Bull blind and all shot through the mesh. For places where I can easily set it up I use one of those folding camo chairs. Other places where distance and the added weight is a problem or I have to haul it in or out same day I use a Roll-A-Chair or other lighter folding chair. I also bought the Wild Thing backpack. Carries the blind, chair and all your gear really well. The pack has a pocket thats made for the cam and limb of a compound to pack it too. I took the stirrup from my crossbow and put it in the pocket and used the strap to hold the stock or rail and it carries a xbow fine. Puts the wide part at your hips and it's really easy to walk with it.