I need to buy a deer blind for the upcoming season. It needs to be a 4x6 or 4x8 since my nephews will be occasionally sitting with me.

My question is...
What material is recommended? I have seen plywood, fiberglass, and molded plastic (same "texture" as corrugated metal). As far as I can figure out, the budget is the main determining factor which one to purchase.

I don't want to spend alot (>$1,000 is "alot" for a blind IMHO) but if I have too, it is not a problem.

Don't think it makes a difference, but I am in the hill country.

Input please.

Fiberglass will probably last longer than anything else but it is also probably the most expensive.

Why not build one?

It will be a lot cheaper than buying one.

Anyone have specs for building a blind out of plywood?

$1000 for a deer blind is astronomical. Buddy of mine bought a fiberglass box on a 12 foot tower from Boss Game Systems last year for $700. Its one of those octagonal shaped boxes. Not sure the dimensions but three men could sit very comfortably in it.

Sometimes they have blinds with minor defects that they discount steeply. His was one of these. There was a defect in the paint pattern.

Fiberglass is by and far the best (keeps you a little warmer in the winter) it may be more expensive but if you plan on needing a blind for awhile its worth it. The plastic ones I really dont like.
If your looking at wood ones, just build it yourself, wont need anything more than some 4x4's, 2x4's, some plywood and some paint.

Artemis: Have thought of building one, I think it would save about $150. Definitely a consideration.

AggieBB: what did your friend do? Just call Boss and ask if they had any "seconds" at a discounted price?

GM: Just curious, is there something specific you do not like about the plastic or is it just the "feel" of being in a plastic blind (which is why I hesitate on a plastic one.)

Thanks for all the responses.

How high off the ground you going? You can easily build one that is 4x8 for under $250if you know what you are doing.

We have the fiberglass ones and they are great. One thing to consider though is comfort at shooting level. In the fiberglass blinds I have to crouch a litter lower than is completely comfortable. Not really a huge deal and has not made a difference but, there is one wooden blind that was built back in the 70s. It was made so that sitting normally you could stick your gun out and not have to slump/crouch/bend/ or contort in anyway. It is still holding up and has only had to have the panels replaced. So, I would recommend either buying a fiberglass one or build a sturdy wooden one. Stay away from the plastic ones, especially the black plastic ones. They will fall apart pretty fast.

Here's a very basic sketch of what I am going to be building shortly. It is 4'x6' but it could easily be made larger or smaller. This is about $180 in materials.

SA

I have a used fiberglass blind w stairs and platform at the door. It is in Eagle Pass and is about 6 years old. It is dry, warm, and has carpet on the walls. It has good windows and will fit on any 20' flatbed. It is yours for $500, i purchased it new for $1300. dvm1997@gmail.com

DVM

^^^^^^^^^
Thats a good deal right there.

-The reason I don't like the plastic ones is they are flimsy and once you set it up you better not ever move it because it will either get all busted up or be a pain in the *ss to disassemble. If you found one really really cheap and just needed it for a season or two it may be worth it other than that I wouldn't mess with them.

I'm a big fan of the 5x7 or 4x8 blinds. More room for two people and if you want you can crash on the floor easier.

DVM,

If you still have that later this season when I am hunting that area, I'll pick it up!

AggieBB that BOSS tower is $700 by itself. He might have misquoted you just a tad on that price.

DVM,

Just got on a lease. Building blinds this weekend

My lease is flat country, so a real tall stand is not really necessary. However, must ask, what is the floor height of blind when on tower? Can the tower disassemble easily from the blind for transport? What is the base dimensions of the tower?

Thanks in advance.

SA seems to have bought my blind!

DVM

Another satisfied customer.

Oh well.

If anyone is interested in finding some plans, the Buckmaster modular wood plan looks pretty good. My BIL purchased the plans for $7 online. I still have not seen the plans but what I could see for free this looks pretty good. We will modify and use plywood for the floors instead of OSB, and will make a few mods to our taste. Considering getting the Shadowhunter window kits for the windows. Never had a blind with closeable windows, so this may or may not happen.

We will be building blinds this weekend, and if we use these plans, I will post a review on this board.

quote:

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AggieBB that BOSS tower is $700 by itself. He might have misquoted you just a tad on that price.

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Yeah, I guess he MIGHT have...but he didnt. I was with him when he bought it and I helped him load it at BOSS.

I picked up a BUNCH of drop offs from a local co. that builds stands. The drop off material is 1/2" foam insulation with 1/8" fiberglass on both sides. @ 24"x60" (I think) I have about 50 sheets left over if some one is interested in some. Make an offer...


~Michael
user name at yahoo dot com

Can take some pics from my phone tonight after 8