The Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 60″ Long Made a Bold First Impression
Having spent years squeezed into cramped, uncomfortable ground blinds, the promise of the Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 60″ Long was immediately appealing. The advertised 66″ height and 60″ length suggested a more spacious and less claustrophobic hunting experience, a significant upgrade over some of the smaller blinds I’ve used previously. Ameristep is a known name in the hunting world, and their blinds are generally regarded as reliable and affordable.
My quest for a new blind stemmed from a particularly frustrating deer season last year. The cramped quarters of my old blind made drawing my bow difficult, and the limited visibility hampered my ability to spot approaching game. This Ameristep blind promised a solution to both of those problems.
Unboxing the Doghouse Ground Blind was straightforward. The blind came neatly packed with stakes and tie-down ropes. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern looked excellent straight out of the box and seemed well-suited for blending into a variety of environments. My initial impression was that the 300 Durashell Plus material felt reasonably durable, certainly a step up from some of the flimsier blinds I’ve encountered.
I considered the Primos Double Bull SurroundView Double Wide and the Barronett Big Cat 350 as alternatives. I opted for the Ameristep because of its balance of size, affordability, and the reputation of Ameristep for producing reliable products. The Primos, while offering superior visibility, carried a significantly higher price tag. The Barronett was comparable in price, but I preferred the rectangular shape and slightly larger footprint of the Ameristep.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The size was definitely a plus, and the camo pattern looked great. I was slightly concerned about the weight, it felt a bit heavier than expected, but I was excited to get it set up in the field and put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 60″ Long to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind during a three-day deer hunt in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania. The conditions ranged from sunny and mild to cold and drizzly. I set the blind up in a natural funnel between two bedding areas, hoping to intercept deer moving between them.
Setting up the blind was relatively easy. The included stakes were adequate for securing it in the soft ground, although I would recommend upgrading to heavier-duty stakes for rocky or frozen ground. Popping out the hubs was a bit stiff at first, but they loosened up with use. Once erected, the Doghouse offered ample space to stand and draw my bow comfortably.
The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo blended seamlessly into the surrounding foliage. Even at close range, the blind was difficult to spot. Visibility from inside the blind was good, thanks to the multiple window configurations. I particularly appreciated the corner windows, which provided a wider field of view.
During a light rain shower, the 300 Durashell Plus material proved to be reasonably water-resistant. It kept me dry for the duration of the shower, although I wouldn’t rely on it for prolonged heavy rain. The only surprise was how much noise the material made when brushed against by branches in the wind. This required careful trimming of the surrounding vegetation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use throughout the hunting season, the Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind has held up reasonably well. There are no rips or tears in the fabric, and the zippers are still functioning smoothly. The frame seems sturdy, although I’ve noticed a slight bit of bending in one of the roof support poles.
The 300 Durashell Plus material is showing some signs of wear, particularly in areas where it rubs against branches or rocks. However, these are purely cosmetic, and there’s no indication that the structural integrity of the blind has been compromised. Cleaning the blind is relatively easy, a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove mud and dirt.
Compared to my previous experience with cheaper blinds, the Ameristep is definitely an upgrade in terms of durability and size. It hasn’t disappointed me yet, and I expect it to last for several more seasons with proper care. The larger interior space alone makes it worthwhile.
Breaking Down the Features of Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 60″ Long
Specifications
- Height: 66 inches. The generous height allows most adults to stand comfortably inside, making it easier to stretch and move around during long sits.
- Length and Width: 60 inches x 60 inches. This provides ample space for one or two hunters, along with their gear.
- Material: 300 Durashell Plus. This polyester fabric offers a good balance of durability, water resistance, and affordability.
- Camo Pattern: Mossy Oak Break-Up Country. This popular camo pattern is effective in a wide range of environments, helping the blind blend seamlessly into the surrounding foliage.
- Window Openings: Multiple window configurations with shoot-through mesh. The various window options allow for customized visibility and shooting lanes.
- Weight: Approximately 15 pounds. While not the lightest blind on the market, it’s still manageable for most hunters to carry to their hunting spot.
- Stake Kit and Tie-Down Ropes: Included for secure setup. The included stakes are adequate for most conditions, but heavier-duty stakes are recommended for rocky or frozen ground.
These specifications contribute significantly to the blind’s overall performance and user experience. The size allows for comfortable hunting, the camo pattern provides excellent concealment, and the durable material ensures it will withstand the rigors of the outdoors. The various window configurations allow the hunter to effectively see and react to surrounding wildlife.
Performance & Functionality
The Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind performs its primary job of concealing the hunter effectively. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern is highly effective, and the spacious interior allows for comfortable movement without being easily detected by game. The multiple window configurations provide excellent visibility and shooting lanes for both bow and firearm hunters.
The main strengths are its size, effective camo, and ease of setup. A minor weakness is the noise of the material in the wind. Overall, it meets my expectations for a mid-range ground blind.
Design & Ergonomics
The rectangular design maximizes interior space, making it feel less cramped than some dome-shaped blinds. The build quality is decent for the price point, though not exceptional. The 300 Durashell Plus material feels reasonably durable, and the zippers operate smoothly.
The blind is relatively user-friendly, with a straightforward setup process. The only minor learning curve is figuring out the best window configurations for different hunting scenarios.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind should last for several seasons. The 300 Durashell Plus material is reasonably durable, although it is susceptible to wear and tear from abrasion. The frame is sturdy, but it’s important to avoid overstressing the poles during setup and takedown.
Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use is usually sufficient. Storing the blind in a dry place will help prevent mildew and extend its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind comes with a basic stake kit and tie-down ropes. While these are adequate for most conditions, upgrading to heavier-duty stakes is recommended for rocky or frozen ground. The blind is compatible with a variety of aftermarket accessories, such as ground blind chairs, shooting rests, and scent control products.
While there are no specific customization options offered by Ameristep, the blind’s modular design allows for some degree of personalization. For example, hunters can add their own camo netting or vegetation to further enhance concealment.
Pros and Cons of Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 60″ Long
Pros
- Spacious interior: Offers ample room to stand, draw a bow, and move around comfortably.
- Effective camo: The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country pattern blends seamlessly into a variety of environments.
- Multiple window configurations: Provides excellent visibility and shooting lanes for both bow and firearm hunters.
- Reasonably durable: The 300 Durashell Plus material offers a good balance of durability and affordability.
- Easy to set up: The blind can be erected quickly and easily, even by a single person.
Cons
- Material noise: The 300 Durashell Plus material can be noisy when brushed against by branches or in windy conditions.
- Basic stake kit: The included stakes are adequate for most conditions, but heavier-duty stakes are recommended for rocky or frozen ground.
Who Should Buy Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 60″ Long?
The Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind is perfect for hunters who prioritize comfort and space. It is especially beneficial for bowhunters who need ample room to draw their bows without being detected. The blind is also well-suited for hunters who often hunt with a partner or with children.
Hunters who prioritize extreme portability or those who hunt in extremely windy conditions might want to consider a different option. Lighter, more compact blinds are available, although they often sacrifice interior space. Additionally, blinds made from quieter materials may be preferable for hunting in areas with frequent wind.
A must-have accessory for this blind is a comfortable ground blind chair. A shooting rest can also be a valuable addition for firearm hunters.
Conclusion on Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 60″ Long
The Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 60″ Long is a solid, well-rounded ground blind that offers excellent value for its price. It provides a spacious and comfortable hunting experience, with effective concealment and multiple window configurations. While not without its minor drawbacks, the benefits of this blind far outweigh its limitations.
The price of $76.99 is more than justified, considering the size, durability, and features offered by this blind. I would definitely recommend it to any hunter looking for a reliable and affordable ground blind.
If you’re tired of cramped, uncomfortable hunts, then the Ameristep Doghouse Ground Blind is definitely worth considering. Upgrade your hunting experience and enjoy the comfort and concealment this blind provides! Go get yours today!