Crow Busters Forum

gt69 · Veteran Member

Gear questions

Old Artilleryman · Guru

I acquired my hot stick from a friend who is a manager at a regional utility company. He "lent" one to me that had been declared "unserviceable" (due to wear and tear and surface cracks), on the condition that if I quit hunting I would return it to him. He also said he would hurt me greatly if I did something stupid and electrocuted myself while using it near power lines. The photo is of the first time I used it (original yellow) and subsequently repainted it with a camo pattern.

As for the panel blinds, I also admired the Tanglefree model used by our CrowBuster friend Dale (here on the forum) and constructed a set with my hunting partner, Larry The Master Machinist, that we put into operation last season. I intend to post a description of how we made them. Essentially, two identical "L" shaped sections covered with Avery blind material. It was enjoyable to make and works very well--it sets up in seconds. Also, each section is made to fold into a "Z" shape for easier transport. This also makes each section capable of becoming a separate one-man blind. I've included photos of the model I made.

-- Edited by Old Artilleryman on Friday 24th of July 2020 12:10:33 PM

Island Shooter · Guru

GT,

The pole I use is similar to this one and goes out to 24 feet. https://www.mechanicsurplus.com/products/131028529?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgLyJqZPm6gIVu-y1Ch1pGAILEAYYASABEgJpXPD_BwE

The pole is a little wobbly at full extension, but I can manage it with Dale's technique of cutting a 1¼" round hole (centered where the stake was) in the bottom of Flambeau decoys. Simply stick the pole through the hole up to the head and you can place the decoy easily

I painted the outside of the pole brown so after hanging my decoys, I compress the sections and just stick it in the bushes until after the hunt.

If Dale checks in, he can give you all the info on his TangleFree blinds. I use a different method.

Hope this helps,

Demi

gt69 · Veteran Member

Thank you gentlemen for the replies and ideas.

Found a 16 footer on that site Demi but the one you linked not available it says. I have a friend who is a lineman. Might have to ask a favor.

I gotta figure out the blind soon. I'll be improvising next weekend if I get out. Our season here opens Saturday!

If Dale checks in I'd like to hear his take on the tanglefrees. I've seen his blind in pics and it looked similar to the TF. I'm wondering if he has the panel blind or the solo 360. I would love to have 2 of the panel blinds to put back to back for goose field hunting 2 or 3 guys. Pricey tho!

-- Edited by gt69 on Saturday 25th of July 2020 12:13:54 PM

boba · Guru

Dale and my partner use the solo blind.

Crowpocalypse · Senior Member

Hey folks, just reading the latest post, I’ve got a telescoping pole to was the RV, it’s 25 foot. You can pick them up at Lowe’s or Home Depot for around $60. Light weight, needs camouflage paint.

Granite Jaw · Senior Member

Hi GT,

I own both the panel blind and solo made by Tanglefree. Dale and Paul hunt out of them as well. They each have minor drawbacks. The Solo blind isn't tall enough for my liking, (44" I believe), but is more portable. The panel blind is 55" high. I wish the solo was a foot or so taller and the panel blind several inches taller, but suppose that would effect portability, which is key for us. Snow and mud keep us from driving in more often than not. The height problem can be alleviated with some grass or brush extended beyond the top.

I've always figured a commercial blind was nothing more than a frame that needed to be blinded. It needs to be light and portable, yet durable. It needs to set up easily. It needs to keep the wind off my back. Both of those blinds fit the bill.

I'd been considering one or both and Dale told me they were good. He was right. He also told me to wait till they went on sale. Again, excellent advise. The first sale they had was 20% off, but he'd told me they'd get to nearly half price. Sure enough, late last fall they did, with no shipping cost.

Two panel blinds back to back would work good for two or three guys.

I'm sure you've seen the promotional videos for each. They're not exaggerating the ease of set up. Or how well they're built. I expect they'll outlast me. Initial assembly was a pain until halfway thru the second one and a guy starts figuring it out.

I'm sure Dale and Paul will weigh in at some point, but as far as I'm concerned, I chose wisely.

Randy

Dale · Senior Member

GT,

As the guys have already said the Tanglefree blinds are about as good as a guy can get from a bought blind, I looked really hard before buying mine. I built a couple blinds but ran into portability problems and time/work while setting them up. The Tanglefree blinds cured all the problems I was having with homemade blinds. The other benefit to the blind is the camo pattern, it is fantastic in any environment Paul and I set up in. I throw the thing up and go to banging away, set up time for Paul and myself is minutes. As with anything there are drawbacks and the blinds are on the short side as Randy mentioned but dang, their pros way out way that con.

As for the telescoping poles you made mention of, the ones I use I have brought home from work. I am a high voltage lineman by trade and they are the sticks that don't pass the annual inspection. There are two standard links 35' and 40'. As for price I would imagine them to be at a minimum of $300 and up as anything to do with (live line tool) which is what they are is very expensive. Find and old linehand and he could hook you up with one.