What's the Best Permanent Bow Blind for the $$....

[predatorsniper]

I posted this question in the DIY forum and then realized that it would be better to ask it over here.

Any opinions on the best permanent bow blind other than what I can build myself? I'm looking into possibly building a permanent bow blind that will be on the ground, but I don't want to end up spending tons of hours and $$ on it if I could possibly buy a commercial one for close to the same price even if I did have to do a few improvements to it like adding shoot thru screens, carpet, etc.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

predatorsniper

[Flint knapper]

I usually just collect any and all lumber that I can get my hands on over the year and then all I have to purchase is the screws, ten and the pannels from Home Depot.

[cosmiccowboy]

I've been giving this a lot of thought.

I am about to build a permanent one this summer at my place out of concrete. I'm gonna make a concrete trench about 2 1/2 feet deep and 6' long with steps leading down from the back side. Then pour a circular slab with 1/4" rebar stubs sticking up on the perimeter. Then I will bend bows out of 1/4" rebar to shape the sides and roof like a small dome, add a framed in shooting port in the front and angled entry door in the back. Cover everything with chicken wire (doubled) and starting at the bottom trowel thick mortar mix into the chicken wire to complete the dome. I will throw local sand on the outside of the mortar mix while it's still wet. Should end up only about 4' above the ground but tall enough inside to stand up and stretch. I will plant cactus etc all around it to provide natural camo.

If I find a concrete water trough the size I want I will just bury that instead of pouring the pit part of the blind.

Should be cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Assuming I get to this project I will post pictures of the results.

[Mark44]

I've been giving this a lot of thought.

I am about to build a permanent one this summer at my place out of concrete. I'm gonna make a concrete trench about 2 1/2 feet deep and 6' long with steps leading down from the back side. Then pour a circular slab with 1/4" rebar stubs sticking up on the perimeter. Then I will bend bows out of 1/4" rebar to shape the sides and roof like a small dome, add a framed in shooting port in the front and angled entry door in the back. Cover everything with chicken wire (doubled) and starting at the bottom trowel thick mortar mix into the chicken wire to complete the dome. I will throw local sand on the outside of the mortar mix while it's still wet. Should end up only about 4' above the ground but tall enough inside to stand up and stretch. I will plant cactus etc all around it to provide natural camo.

If I find a concrete water trough the size I want I will just bury that instead of pouring the pit part of the blind.

Should be cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Assuming I get to this project I will post pictures of the results.

WOW! now that will be one very permanent blind. can't wait to see pics.

[turbowhunter]

That's a great idea for a blind! I've been wanting to do something like this on our place. I've already dug the pit and have been feeding it year 'round for 2 yrs, but I'm not sure the spot I picked is as good as originally thought after reviewing trailcams. Make sure its a good spot before you build a permanent immobile blind.

[Legdog]

these are not exactly cheap but they might provide some of you do-it-yourself guys with an idea...





Ralphie likes it!

[Tmag]

That is cool Legdog.

[Felix40]

Seems like it would be a much better use of time and money to just build one out of 4 peices of plywood wired to T-posts. Just cut some windows and there you go! You could build 10 of them for the cost of some of these others. JMHO

[predatorsniper]

Legdog: What exactly is that?

Is anybody here using a bow blind that they bought from one of the manufacturers here in TX?

I appreciate it, guys. I'm wanting to either buy or build a couple of blinds that will hold up well to these W. Texas winds and also be comfortable for my soon-to-be 4 yr. old that has started sitting in the blind with me this past season and I hope to take my baby daughter after she gets bigger. I don't want the kids (or me, to be honest) to be miserable in a leaking, rickety blind full of rat's nests & coon turds. I was raised on that kind of set-up, but I'd like to get something that the whole family would enjoy for years to come. I'm currently researching the fiber reinforced plastic and also some possible fiberglass options when it comes to building one myself, but I'm also looking at several of the blinds made by the various companies here in TX and wondered if any of y'all had any experiences with them.

I appreciate the help!

predatorsniper