Ameristep Outhouse Blind

[Swamphunter]

I got mine in the mail today and let me tell ya what, I LOVE IT! Got it set up in the back yard "airing out" to get rid of the factory odor and I can't wait to try it. Comes with a little backpack and stakes. Man these are worth the money! I mostly hunt from the ground once ml season and rifle season come along and this little addition is gonna make it nice. I can take my son along and now no worries about the movement of a 4 year old, as long as I can keep him quiet for a bit!! Let me tell ya guys from looking at this thing, this is probably going to be the nicest equiptment I have purchased and used in a long time. Well made, 3 huge windows that you can open to what you want for a view. (With my son they will be a little less than halfway to hide his movements). The black interior makes it look like a dark hole from the outside! Its got a large door in the back to get in and out of and plenty o'stakes to keep her in place, but unless its windy 4 will do!! Weighs about 8 lbs!!

[MUDRUNNER]

SOUNDS GREAT!IVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT GEETING ONE FOR MY GRANDPA.HES 76 AND CANT GET UP A STAND NO MORE.IT WOULD KEEP HIM OUT OF THE WEATHER,AND GIVE HIM A LITTLE ROOM TO MOVE AROUND IF HE GETS RESTLESS.I WANTED TO SEE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THOUGHT ABOUT IT AND EVERYONE IVE HEARD FROM HAS HAD GOOD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT EM.GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND YOUR BOY.

[VTbowman]

I recently got one of their Dog House blinds and used it for the 1st time last evening.
My impressions are mixed.

It too has the back pack, ropes, and stakes and is fairly light and easy to pack in and out. The pack is large enough for my folding stool and a padded seat cussion which is awesome!
Once you get the hang of folding it back up it takes but a few minutes and your in business. Set up and take down.

My issue is that every stinking deer that came into that field yesterday, at well over 100 yards each, saw me, or the blind I should say, instantly!


They would not come any closer no matter how long they were out there and feeding. Most just scurried away. Even fawns were upset about it.

Now I feel my set up was real good.
I was inside deep grass with a mass of trees and brushes directly behind me. (A ditch row between 2 fields with small to medium trees growing in it.)
The one thing that may of ruined me is I was in direct sunlight and perhaps thats what spooked them. Faberic sheen.
I dunno.


Mine is in RealTree HD Green, which we ALL know is a kick-butt camo. LOL

I was very still and in very dark clothing from head to toe so it was not me. The winds were in my favor so that was not it either.
They saw the blind!
My buddies and I decided that if it were there over a few days they would of gotten use to it and then no big deal. I was disappointed none the less...

Still a great price and a quality product and I will still continue to use it but I feel set up is best if it can be done days in advance.
JMO

[Swamphunter]

Thanks for raining on my parade... ...just kidding. That is good to know though. I think I will be field testing it in the next couple weeks and I'll let ya's know what I think...hopefully I have better luck.

[VTbowman]

Ya know after posting that I thought about it. I really think the direct sunshine did cast a sheen off the fabric, and with the winds like they were must of looked that a strobe light.
In low light or shade I may of not had that issue.

I must say though I was totally in shock on how the deer reacted since I had a great background and was not moving myself. Even fawns picked me right out.
Like I was standing in the middle of the field naked!
(Um sorry. bad image)

I will definately give it more testing....
Soory about the raining and all. LOL

[Michiganbowhunter_SQ2]

i have a doghouse but mine is in mossy oak...haven't had any problems with it....what i do when i set it up is try and set it a little back in the woods and take some branches and stuff and pile them up around it so it blends in better

[popgun]

I set my Brickhouse up out at the farm and it has been there a week now. I have noticed that everything stares right at it when the windows are open. When the window or windows are open you can see a very distinctive black opening. I tried with the mesh screens on the windows and I can wave at the critters and they don't see me.
Sort of like looking out a screen door and you can see everything outside but can't see inside because it is darker inside than out.
I need to replace my mechanical heads with broadheads so I can shoot right through the stuff.
It will also be good for pistol shootin deer as well.
The critters, including the deer have gotten accustomed to seeing it in that position and it doesn't seem to bother them at all, unless those windows are open.
(Just my observations).....popgun

[Bow Hunter Derek]

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

As a FORMER Ameristep Doghouse Blind owner ... Spend the money and get a Double Bull.

Sheen was one of my biggest issues with the Ameristep. They are blinding when the sun hits them right.

Say what you want about the price of a D.B., but the material is the best out there. No glare what so ever as there should not be for that kind of money.

I've got to admit, the Brick House looks like a good design (very similar to the D.B.), but it is the material that would keep me from spending the money on it. If Ameristep would put good material on their blinds, they could still sell them at a resonable price, and they would be 10x more effective.

[ZooBear]

Try spraying your blind down with UV Killer. It really knocks down the shine from the sun!

[VTbowman]

I agree the DB blinds are 10x better but at 10x the price. I for one can barely afford the cheaper version, and thats by putting it on lay-away.
I have plenty of faith in the AmeriStep blinds. Just needs a bit of caution and the right spot to set it up. Bushing it up doesn't hurt either. Keeping it in the shade will help.
Since its not one of my main means of hunting, I can not justify the cost of a DB to myself no less my wife... LOL

[Michiganbowhunter_SQ2]

[ QUOTE ]
Say what you want about the price of a D.B., but the material is the best out there. No glare what so ever as there should not be for that kind of money.

[/ QUOTE ]

for that kind of money it should also do your scouting and shoot the deer for ya...i said it once and i'll say it again...there is no blind worth spending that much money for...if you set the doghouse up right there will be no glare...i have never had a problem with it

[VTbowman]

There is no way I could leave my blind for even a few days without someone feeling they needed it more then me.
Unfortunately I have to set up and pack out the same day as the hunt. Maybe an over night set up but thats about it...
Incorporating natural materials and shade is my best bet...JMO

[bozz]

I had an Outhouse.....little small with a bow....but shot a deer out of it.....Now own a Brickhouse and really love it........nice and roomy for 2......pockets and bow holder inside....the key with blinds are all in the set up and surrounding vegetation and brush always walk out 30-70 yds or so from your blind after set up ...them begin to slowly pan the area to see if your blind jumps out at ya......I just got a Brickhouse in that new MAX 4-D camo and it blends very well.....but I do still keep it in shady dead fall tree area's.....always look for dead-falls or osage orange tree's with lots of low irregular limbs .......can't wait to get my 9 yr. old out in the B.H. with me......its a really nice and roomy blind for 2.