Well, I have reworked my blind sets several times. This is where we are at the moment. These are all 4' in diameter with adjustable height legs. Each blind has three legs and three tether lines with tent stakes. There are tie strings attached at 18" intervals around the top to secure the brush.
These are one man blinds that when brushed in allow the shooter to hunker down inside with only the barrel sticking out the top. We allow the brush to hang over the top a little creating a smaller opening at the top with lots of space for movement underneath the cover. We shoot sitting down so there is very little motion. The gun rest on the rail and is smoothly brought to bear when needed.
We have been using these for several weeks and the birds have NO IDEA where the shots come from.
The top and bottom hoops that the material hangs from is made from 3/4" black vinyl pipe, (the cheap kind that come in rolls.) It can be folded into a figure 8 that collapses down to 24" for easy carrying.
The deployment is fast and easy. These are by far the best blinds we have used so far.
I would like to replace the hoops with some sort heavy duty spring wire like the folding play tunnels or collapsible drums. I have not been able to find any source for it. I have tried may materials for the hoops and this is the best I have come up with.
Any suggestions on materials for the hoops?
-- Edited by 8fishermen on Sunday 18th of December 2011 12:33:50 AM
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"If money can fix it, it ain't broke" The great theologian and my crow hunting partner AW.
Nice, look very light and portable as well. Like the idea of a one man blind. Tough enough to hide one guy most days.
TEd
Hey Ted,
That is exactly why we went away from 2 and 3 man blinds. There were too many holes in them where crows could see down into. If they are long enough for more that one person to get in then there are usually two angles where crows can see everything in the blind and you are busted. These are very good for kids and new hunters as they conceal almost all of their movement. Noah, my 9 year old son has killed over 70 crows form one of these this season.
These blinds are near perfect if we can just find the spring material. I have tried every type of plastic pipe, fiberglass rods, and electricians fish tape I can find. I have seen the heavy duty spring material in blow up pool rafts that would be perfect if I can find it. That would give the ultimate portability and stability to be self supporting with only three legs.
I set these up this afternoon for tomorrows hunt. Skeetshooter, my daughter Savannah and I will hunt from them. Each person will trim the branches of their blind to suit their shooting style after we get seated. I will try to take more pics of the inside of the blinds with someone in them and of a few good crows.
__________________
"If money can fix it, it ain't broke" The great theologian and my crow hunting partner AW.
Looks high enough for an adult. I like my blind material to be about shoulder high. If it's too short you will be bent into some arthritic stoop all morning. Not fun.
Ted
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Life's tough... It's even tougher if you're stupid. John Wayne
Looks high enough for an adult. I like my blind material to be about shoulder high. If it's too short you will be bent into some arthritic stoop all morning. Not fun.
Ted
The legs are modified adjustable paint poles so they are variable from 3' to almost 6'. There is about 20' of material threaded on each blind so there is plenty of stretch for height adjustment.
__________________
"If money can fix it, it ain't broke" The great theologian and my crow hunting partner AW.
