Any ground blind recommendations for turkey hunting? Wanting a blind that's roomy enough and with a window configuration to shoot a longbow or longer recurve.
Quote from: bd_10 on April 06, 2022, 01:06:35 AM
Any ground blind recommendations for turkey hunting? Wanting a blind that's roomy enough and with a window configuration to shoot a longbow or longer recurve.
I've got a Barronett Big Mike. Actually I have the heavy duty version because the regular was out of stock when I ordered. It's 80 inches tall so there's room to shoot a bow and the windows are positioned well for me.
Hidden hunter is a good choice too. Imo
I have a variety. My favorite is the Primos Surround View 270. I don't feel quite so vision-restricted.
Xenek blinds work great. For whitetails also. I have three of them, and easily shoot a longbow out of them.
I haven't hunted turkeys out of it yet but I use a Big Mike's blind very nice.
Big Mikes here too.
Tim B
I have 2 double bulls and two Big Mikes. The Big Mikes suit me better for my traditional bows.
I like the double bull blinds because they have the vertical windows.
I used a BigMike for years and it was great, last year I switched to the Double Bull Surroundview 360 and I have to say its about the coolest dang thing ever to hunt out of. here is a video out of it last year, total game changer for me.
https://youtu.be/l9YDm5RXYCE
Great video and shot. Appreciate the info from everyone.
I would not consider a blind that does not have shoot through mesh windows. Also, those 360 degree see through blinds provide no protection from wind or rain, just so you know. :o
The shoot through mesh messes with my vision. Especially if the sun is on it. I'd rather just wear black and sit at the back of the blind.
One thing nobody has mentioned is the weight of the material the blind is made of. Wind can play a big factor when hunting and the lighter weight can shake and snap which isn't good anytime. I've used blinds for the last 20 yrs and found you want a 600 denier weight blind. Another thing is how the windows are attached when shut, if they're not zipped or velcro'ed tight the wind can make them hum like a train coming through. NO ONE makes the perfect blind, there are problems with all of them. I use mine for Antelope hunting as well as turkey and that's really were the wind comes into play.
Good timing as I recently had an original Double Bull collapse from a snow load and break two of the fiberglass rods. Primos replacement fiberglass rods will not fit the original hub system, so I've been shopping for a new blind also. I wanted a Hidden Hunter, however they are no longer in business. I just ordered a Xenek Sniper Blind yesterday. I like the vertical windows, the inside height and some other features of the blind.
Hey Randy, haven't seen you for awhile. You're right, I don't think anyone makes a perfect blind. Been using different ones for 25 years and have never been satisfied with any of them. Seems like all the designers are looking to make sales, not build a good blind. :banghead:
I have several of the Primos Blinds and also a T5 model with carbon rods (was optional at the time) from the original owners (Brooks). I really like the T-5 as it has shooting ports all the way around.
The one I use the most is an old recurve dark horse model that I taped up closed the full view frontal side and shoot out the holes in the back. I've tried mesh and also dressed in black with a mesh less window. I seem to miss way too many times either way I do it. Its just something about sitting in the dark and shooting to the sunlight that gives me fits.
What I eventually settled on in regard to the windows is to mesh them in and cut a small hole that allows a shot to the decoys. Its seems to be as effective as full mesh without having to shoot through the mesh
I tend to sit them up on private land and just leave them. Being always fearful that they will "walk away", I tend to use my older blinds (except the T-5) and leave the best ones at the house. It makes no sense at all:)
Good point guys I kill Pronghorn out of the Double Bull Recurve blind it belong to a buddy I want a blind with the same height and Big Mike's Blind Big Cat is 80" lot of room for a Stickbow.
Nice setups Gents ;)
What was that Big Ol' blind 3 rivers had years ago ? I think is was like 90" in height. Never used a man made blind other than my "natural" man made blinds ;^)) No turkeys where I hunt, but hope to change that real soon. I'd rather spot and stalk , but now days you have a huge safty factor in most locals.....For turkeys anyways. Think about that....I don't care if a man was in the most realistic turkey suit ever ...That for me proves Some people need to stay in the city or wherever they normally hang , and stay out of the hunting fields ...
I think it was the Ameristep Penthouse. That thing is so tall it comes equipped with stairs to climb to the top:)
""I think it was the Ameristep Penthouse. That thing is so tall it comes equipped with stairs to climb to the top:)""
That's it...that's the one I want ...sounds comfy ;^)))
The first blind I had was a Penthouse, I loved the shooting windows, room and height but being spring steel sides the wind blew it all over. It had to be set up where it was sheltered. I mentored kids for the NWTF at that time and took several birds from it . When hub blinds became popular I bought an 84" tall Yukon(bought out by Barronnet) that I still use today. It's exactly like their 350 model but heavier material.
Have hunted soley with Double Bull blinds since the early 90's.
Have always felt restricted and all the numerous models that I have used.
Picked up two Barnette Heavy Duty Big Cats. So far, I am thrilled.