A Ground Blind For All Seasons

Bowhunting.net

Rick Philippi
A Ground Blind For All Seasons
By Rick Philippi
Nov 29, 2005, 06:29

Rick Philippi

I was introduced to a Double Bull Ground Blind three years ago. My good friend and bow-hunting buddy of 23 years Robert Hoague had told me about his success with Double Bull Blinds. My first experience with Double Bull was Robert had one set up by my river stand; we both know that turkeys hang in that area.   I told him I would go down and hunt the river that evening.

To make a long story short. I shot a 10-inch Tom at 6 yards out of the Double Bull. I could not believe it. Up to that point I had taken 13 Toms with my bow out of tree stands and anyone who has hunted turkeys know that they don’t cut you any slack when it comes to their eye sight. A couple of weeks later I took my son and he also got a Tom out of the same blind. I would not believe the success had I not experienced it my self. It was like you were invisible while in the blind. THE BIRDS HAD NO FEAR!!!!!

Rick Philippi and his first gobbler taken from a Double Bull Ground Blind

Just two days ago I was deer hunting when I had 26 hogs come in while hunting in my new Double Bull MATRIX 360 ground blind. I picked out a big sow and shot her at eight yards. The other hogs ran off 20 yards, they looked dumb founded. They had no idea what happened.   The group turned around and came back. I ended up shooting a second one. It was simply amazing, to get that close to so many hogs. Wild hogs have unbelievable noses. I have been hunting them for 24 years and their noses are second to none. Some hunters will disagree with me when I say this, but I sense they have a better nose than deer. I feel that the blind helped to contain my scent.

Another test that sold me on these ground blinds is to fool the eyes of a crow. I had 6 crows that were approximately 8 yards from the blind while it was sitting in an open field. With the windows meshed I waved my hands at the crows trying to spook them. They did not pay any attention. Unbelievable. I used to hunt crows as a kid in Illinois, they are as weary as turkeys and if you can fool crow’s eyes, you are on to something. The Double Bull blinds had passed the test.

Double Bull Archery has been manufacturing blinds since 1995. The name Double Bull came from the center bull’s eye on a dart target. The company is owned by two bowhunters, Keith Beam and Brooks Johnson.   I had the opportunity to hunt with the duo last year in Texas. I can tell you, they are good guys and real passionate about what they do. They are committed to put the best quality ground blind on the market. And their customer service is second to none. I also like Keith and Brooks and their employee’s upbeat, positive attitudes. That goes along way in today’s world.

There are many lesser-priced ground blinds on the market but there is a reason why. I will not list all the reasons, but I will list a few of the more important reasons in my evaluation.

So many of the cheaper blinds have velcro and zippers in their window systems. Try unzipping a zipper or tug on some velcro when that big Tom turkey is going to walk into you shooting lane and you need to open a window. You will spook him into the next county.

An advantage to The Double Bull blinds is they have a silent window system. You can open or close any of the windows in complete silence not having to worry about spooking alert game.   Another advantage is Double Bulls custom blended fabrics versus the pure synthetics blinds.

Double Bull’s fabric is quieter, reflects no glare or shine, and has no uv brighteners. They also put in an inhibitor to protect it from the sunlight.

The cheaper pure synthetic blinds reflect glare and make noise when it’s windy. Another distinct benefit to the Double Bull is the Predator Deception Camo design they use. This pattern is 40% larger than other patterns and features a lot of dead space that creates a great 3D effect.

The last and final advantage I will list is the patented Cam Lock Hub. The hub will totally eliminate wind flap. If the fabric stretches simply rotate the hub, this lengthens the struts and tightens up the walls and the roof eliminating any sag or wind flap.

Some tips when hunting out of one these blinds.
While hunting deer always make sure to keep the windows netted. Deer will usually not tolerate the dark holes of un-netted windows, especially when hunting the first few days after putting up the blind. I also like to brush in the blind and make sure to break up the outline of the roof. I do this by cutting brush and hanging it from some wire or string from branches above the blinds roof. This will do the trick.

When hunting wild turkeys and wild hogs you do not have to net the windows. You don’t need to brush the blind in, just put it up and hunt. They are not afraid of the dark hole concept.

To be safe I usually always hunt with the windows netted I figure it just makes it less obvious to be spotted. This is just my preference. Always try and wear dark clothing while in the blind. The dark clothing will virtually make you disappear and blend you in with the black color interior that encompasses the Double Bull.

I would like to summarize by saying this blind is quality from top to bottom. The features and benefits far out weigh saving a few bucks on a cheaper blind. If you are like me you don’t get to spend as much time out in the woods as you would like. The last thing I want to do is scrimp on my ground blind and be hunting in a blind that has the potential to spook every critter in the woods. Take care and safe hunting.