I need a recommendation for a blind that I can shoot a 66" longbow out of. I saw the large Hidden Hunter, but are their others that would fit the bill.
Thanks
Gil
I checked out everyone on the market and came to the conclusion that it was the only good one that fit the bill. If I had a safe place, (as in not get stolen), to use one, I would have one. If my land deal goes through, I will. If not, I will be using military grade camo netting on our public land areas if a good spot develops. The bush in a bag from Big Jim works super in the right settings. I wish that there was also a grass/brush version of the Bush In A Bag for lighter colored grass/bush situations. I know that there are Ghillie suits that will cover that option.
I think a brush blind and/or ghillie may give the best solution. In it, bow length and theft are not issues. I shoot a 68" longbow and have never found a tent blind that was handy to use. Also, I have always felt enclosed with limited vision in the few commercial blinds I tried out.
I shoot one in my Dbl. Bull matrix 360, killed this buck out of it with a 66" Hill
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y275/420W/IM000857.jpg)
Barronett extra tall Big Mike model might work. (barronettblinds.com)
Thanks for the suggestions.
Gil
The new bone collector man cave is a monster blind.
The Hidden Hunter blinds were highlighted on the TV show Discovering. You can fast forward to the segment on the blinds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inPupwI5Wfs&feature=youtu.be
http://www.shrewbows.com/hiddenhunterblinds/index.html
Apache Pyramid Blind Two sided triangular blind for some coverage. I have one. Have used it, have not killed anything while using it. Have used it in conjunction with a gillie suit and on its own. Not affiliate with the owner/maker. I would buy another one.
Apache Pyramid Manufactured by JDI, Inc. 3746 Morgan Rd. Orion, MI 48359 248-391-2131 Est.: 1985 Contact: Tom Sampey The Apache Pyramid rolls up neatly for carrying and provides a quick shield for hunting.
It only costs about $150 or so to build one like this yourself out of a cattle panel, plastic grass carpet, and PVC!
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/archeryrules/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/7D381027-960D-4722-9E56-2C9A201E3959_zpsinstzvvl.jpg) (http://s579.photobucket.com/user/archeryrules/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/7D381027-960D-4722-9E56-2C9A201E3959_zpsinstzvvl.jpg.html)
Door made from cattle panel and angle iron:
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/archeryrules/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/B8C86FCB-CD98-4611-A223-E5B2F0A83933_zps4ksy0opw.jpg) (http://s579.photobucket.com/user/archeryrules/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/B8C86FCB-CD98-4611-A223-E5B2F0A83933_zps4ksy0opw.jpg.html)
Roof frame made out of PVC:
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/archeryrules/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/B5CAC5D0-290F-4167-AC26-E3E2D3BE4089_zpseuqsxwbe.jpg) (http://s579.photobucket.com/user/archeryrules/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/B5CAC5D0-290F-4167-AC26-E3E2D3BE4089_zpseuqsxwbe.jpg.html)
The roof frame is covered with black painters plastic, then with the carpet. That makes the roof where water does not leak in. Here is a pic of the roof from the inside:
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/archeryrules/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/258EAC4E-F2E2-47CD-BA73-669CD56B89A6_zpsj7lczauz.jpg) (http://s579.photobucket.com/user/archeryrules/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/258EAC4E-F2E2-47CD-BA73-669CD56B89A6_zpsj7lczauz.jpg.html)
View from inside blind:
(http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss239/archeryrules/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/FE80B9A1-090B-46AD-89D0-BEFA51C14315_zpsekdaomuu.jpg) (http://s579.photobucket.com/user/archeryrules/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/FE80B9A1-090B-46AD-89D0-BEFA51C14315_zpsekdaomuu.jpg.html)
The roof on this blind in the pics is new, but the carpet on the side of the blind is 6yrs old and has been in the woods the whole time! I have seen no commercial popup blind that will last near as long in the woods!
This is a great option if you are wanting a more permanent type blind. If you need to be able to put it up/take it down/move it easily, one of the larger popup blinds would be your best option.
Bisch
The Stackhouse. Light weight, tall, quick set up.
I have had more expensive blinds not to name names.. This the one for me. On sale under $75.
I have had mine for years. No tears. No hassle.
Next time I find one on sale I'll put it up for my grandson.
Lou
Gil,
Not to argue with anyone's opinion, because there are situations where every one of these blinds will work with whatever bow you shoot. I had an extra tall DB, and now have a Baronett grounder 350 and a Baronett Big Mike. For me, the bigger footprint is more important than the height(up to a point). Any of them seem pretty good trying them in a showroom. I don't have to stand up to shoot, but the windows do need to extend low enough that I can shoot sitting or kneeling. I found that my shooting form barely lends itself to the Big Mike footprint. I extend my bow arm with arrow nocked and then draw the string. I can do that in a Big Mike but I have to first move my chair out of the way and then move back to the back wall-unless I was there already. I've not had to do this with another person in the blind, but that would make it more difficult. So, depending on your shooting style imagine doing that and also canting your 68" bow enough to clear the top.....a lot to think about when there's a critter in your window! I've never seen a Hidden Hunter-it's profile would seem to lend itself to a longbow shooter, but-in an excited moment, I even put the tip of a 62" recurve through the top of my Grounder 350! My guess would be that a 66-68" bow would preclude using a pop up blind with confidence. I'd think a brush blind custom built on the spot would be better.
Thanks again for all the ideas on the blind. I also extend my arm with the arrow knocked before I draw so that is something I should think about. I can build a permanent blind DIY, which I wasn't thinking about at first, but since I can leave it up on my farm. That could be an alternative.
Tom it has been a while. I was hunting that Bear '59 I got from you last night. I am going back to my Hill style longbow, but I still really like that '59er.
Thanks again for all the ideas.
Gil
Bisch, you need to come up here for a visit and help me build some like that!
QuoteOriginally posted by Gil Verwey:
[QB] . I also extend my arm with the arrow knocked before I draw so that is something I should think about.
Same problem here. I bought a Primos Club XXL last spring. It had plenty of height for my 64" recurve, but it wasn't WIDE enough. With my arm extended, my broadhead would hit the mesh on the window. I had to remove the mesh.
So, it's back to my Yukon Tracks blind (which became Baronett blinds).
Thats a nice setup Bisch!
I'll have to that a try :thumbsup:
Did anyone try the Ameristep Bone Collector blind with a longbow?
Tried one out in a cabelas, and it was not tall enough for me, but I don't can't my bow much. Barronett 350 is plenty big enough and pretty sturdy, but a terrible design for window placement and opening. Still use one, though, cuz the price is right.
I have three Primos Club XXLs. I fold up some of the triangular screen corners to give me arrow "shooting ports." So, width isn't a problem. Never been spotted by a turkey, deer, or boar using this technique and I don't have to worry about the potential accuracy issues with launching arrows through screening. Brian
That Barronett 350 looks good, great price ($155) and big. 90" X 90" x 80". I think this is the winner for me.
I like the Hidden Hunter but it is pricey ($379.99). What I don't like about it is they charge a good price for it and then charge extra for the window screens ($24.95).
Thanks everyone
Gil
QuoteI like the Hidden Hunter but it is pricey ($379.99). What I don't like about it is they charge a good price for it and then charge extra for the window screens ($24.95).
Gil, :saywhat:
I have three Primos Club XXLs. I fold up some of the triangular screen corners to give me arrow "shooting ports." So, width isn't a problem. Never been spotted by a turkey, deer, or boar using this technique and I don't have to worry about the potential accuracy issues with launching arrows through screening. Brian
Gil - the Barronett 350 is a nice blind that gives you tons of room in it, but note that it has high windows. I use a bar stool in mine which eliminates the problem. I still like my Barronett Big Mike better because of the lower windows. It's not as big a blind as the 350, but both blinds are 80" high - no problem for my style.
Bernie
I bought the ameristep bone collector back when i shot my wheel bow. Worked great for that but in order to shoot my 64" r/d I have to kneel on the ground and cant a little more than normal. I wasn't comfortable or confident shooting that way so I only sat that bling once this year with my daughter and she had her rifle.
I have owned the older Double Bull, the Grounder 350, grounder 250 and just this past year a Hidden Hunter. While the cost of the HH is twice that of the Grounder as far as quality, ease of setup and take down and its ability to blend in and hold up to snow, the HH is by far the best i've owned. The 350 & 250 I've hunted out of for a couple of years. they are huge but I don't like the window hgt., they fade pretty quickly if left out, cannot handle any snow load at all and if you are moving chasing turkeys they are a pain to breakdown and haul. The older Dbl Bull was nice but since a bear decided I should no longer use mine I have not gone back to them.
I'd like to see some photos of the Hidden Hunter showing the window configuration. Window height is a major factor in a blind for turkey hunting.
Also, what kind of fabric is used? Does it shine? Also very big when it comes to turkeys.
I've looked at their website, but it doesn't have any of this information.
I posted this earlier, apparently you didn't see it. This video will answer those questions.
"The Hidden Hunter blinds were highlighted on the TV show Discovering. You can fast forward to the segment on the blinds."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inPupwI5Wfs&feature=youtu.be
Thanks Ron! I like the vertical windows.
Just my opinion, but be careful of the Barronnete 350. Big yes, but the windows are really high. If you're going to shoot standing, fine. But close shot's sitting may be a problem. I've heard better things about the corner windows of the Big Mike, but have never used one. I do own a 350, and will probably sell it.
Here you go Paul. I need to turn mine where I can get all three vertical windows open,but it put the opening in a weird place. I will go mess with it in the off season. I've killed two critters out of it all ready and really like it.
(http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh619/_9alex/100_2117.jpg) (http://s1254.photobucket.com/user/_9alex/media/100_2117.jpg.html)
Rick in that picture is the window completely open?
No it's not Gil. I was getting busted quite a bit. They never busted me all the way,but they could see me quite a bit better. I plan on turning it and opening all three and see how it goes,but I think that would let even more light in and a even better chance of being seen. I will just have to experiment some. It is a great blind though.
I looked the the video again and saw the windows are much bigger. On the video it doesn't show the shoot through screens. Have you tried them? Is yours the larger one? I am shooting a 66" Hill style longbow. Do you think there would be a problem with it in that blind.
Thanks
Gil
Mine came with the screen,but I'm scared to shoot through it. I just can't see how that wouldn't affect arrow flight.
As far as the length of your bow goes,you might be able to get by. I'm not sure what size I have,but I'm shooting a 64" longbow,and I have to have my chair in one precise spot. If I have it too far back my elbow hits the back when drawing,if I get it too far forward I've stuck a hole through the thing with the broadhead and I have to start the draw and swing the bow up and out the window. I think there is a bigger size than the one I got though.
Thanks Rick.
I can't see how shooting through a screen would be good. We work so hard to tune our arrows and try to get maximum penetration, then intentionally shoot through something a few feet ahead of the bow.
Gil
Shooting thru the screen is awesome! I can't tell you how many critters I have shot thru the netting, even using a string tracker! As a matter of fact, I'm sitting in a I d right now, and every window has netting!
Bisch
Jerome with Trad gear you don't experience any problems? The idea always gave me chills.
Yeah, Gil, I feel the same way, and must admit that I've not taken a shot a game through the netting....but in my back yard-I see no problem with arrow flight. Going on a TX hog hunt in a couple of weeks, and am going to test it!
I'm so glad you are using that old '59. I loved that bow. It was sort of a-what did they call them in the old west-a soiled dove? But it shot so darned well and I kept it forever hoping that somehow I'd find the fountain of youth and be able to shoot it well again! Couldn't be happier that you are using it!!