The Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″ Made a Bold First Impression
Ground blinds have become indispensable tools in my hunting arsenal, offering concealment and protection from the elements. After years of wrestling with makeshift setups and flimsy blinds, I was eager to try the Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″.
My old blind had finally succumbed to a brutal winter storm, collapsing under the weight of heavy snow. I needed a replacement that could handle the unpredictable weather of the Midwest and provide ample space for myself and my gear. I unboxed it immediately upon arrival, eager to feel the fabric and examine the hub system. The Ameristep blind felt noticeably sturdier than my previous model, a promising start.
I considered the Primos Double Bull SurroundView Double Wide and the Barronett Big Cat 350, both popular options. I opted for the Ameristep due to its blend of affordability, size, and the trusted name of Ameristep in the hunting community. My first impression was positive; the Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo looked realistic, and the overall construction felt solid. I was excited to put it to the test in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″ to the Test
First Use Experience
I set up the Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″ along a well-worn deer trail in a wooded area bordering a soybean field. The day was overcast with a light drizzle, perfect for concealing movement. The blind proved surprisingly easy to set up, even with gloves on; the hub system popped into place with minimal effort.
The Durashell Plus fabric did an excellent job of repelling the light rain, keeping the interior dry. I was able to sit comfortably for hours, observing deer and turkey without being detected. The shooting windows offered a wide field of view, allowing for quick target acquisition. My only initial issue was the slightly stiff zippers on the windows, which required a bit of extra effort to operate quietly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full hunting season, the Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″ has proven to be a reliable and durable ground blind. I’ve used it in everything from early-season archery hunts to late-season rifle hunts in sub-freezing temperatures. There are no major signs of wear and tear on the fabric or hub system.
The 300 Durashell Plus material has held up well against branches, thorns, and exposure to the elements. The color hasn’t faded. I brush it off after each use and store it in a dry place during the off-season. This blind outperforms my previous, cheaper blinds in terms of weather resistance and overall durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″
Specifications
The Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″ is designed for hunters seeking a spacious and easily portable blind. It features a hub-style design for quick setup and takedown. The blind stands 66 inches high and has a 59-inch footprint, providing ample room for one or two hunters.
The Durashell Plus fabric is a key component, offering water resistance and durability. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage pattern provides excellent concealment in a variety of environments. Weighing in at a manageable weight, it is relatively easy to transport. The shooting windows are strategically placed for optimal shooting angles.
Performance & Functionality
The Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″ performs its core function of concealing hunters effectively. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo blends seamlessly into wooded areas. The interior is dark enough to minimize shadows and movement.
The hub-style design makes setup and takedown a breeze, even in low-light conditions. The 66-inch height provides plenty of headroom. The zippers on the windows could be smoother, and a scent-control system would be a welcome addition. Overall, this blind exceeds expectations for its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″ features a well-thought-out design. The Durashell Plus fabric feels durable and offers good weather protection. The spacious interior allows for comfortable movement and gear storage.
The blind is relatively lightweight for its size, making it easy to carry to and from hunting locations. While there’s a slight learning curve to mastering the hub system, setup becomes quick and intuitive with practice. The Ameristep is designed to be practical and functional for the average hunter.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″ should last for several hunting seasons. The 300 Durashell Plus fabric is resistant to tearing and abrasion. The hub system is constructed from sturdy metal.
Maintenance is simple; just brush off dirt and debris after each use and store the blind in a dry place. Spot cleaning with a mild detergent can remove stubborn stains. The fabric can be treated with a water repellent spray to maintain its water resistance over time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″ includes ground stakes for securing the blind and a carrying bag for easy transport. Hunters can customize the blind by adding aftermarket accessories. Aftermarket options include blind chairs, shooting sticks, and camouflage netting.
The Ameristep is compatible with universal blind accessories from various brands. Adding a silent window opening system would be a great addition. This is a blank canvas ready for the hunter to individualize.
Pros and Cons of Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″
Pros
- The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern provides excellent concealment in a variety of hunting environments. It blends in seamlessly.
- The hub-style design allows for quick and easy setup and takedown. I can have it up in minutes.
- The 300 Durashell Plus fabric is durable and water-resistant, offering protection from the elements. It has kept me dry in light rain.
- The 66-inch height and 59-inch footprint provide ample space for one or two hunters and their gear. There is plenty of headroom.
- It is a great value for the money, offering a blend of features and performance at an affordable price. It won’t break the bank.
Cons
- The zippers on the windows can be a bit stiff and noisy. They could be smoother and quieter.
- It would benefit from a scent-control system to further minimize human odor. This could be addressed with aftermarket products.
Who Should Buy Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″?
The Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″ is perfect for budget-conscious hunters seeking a spacious, durable, and easy-to-use ground blind. It is well suited for deer, turkey, and other game species. This is a great pick for the average hunter.
Hunters who require extreme durability in harsh environments or who prioritize advanced features like scent control may want to consider a more expensive option. A higher-end blind will offer a bit more. Must-have accessories include a comfortable blind chair, shooting sticks or a tripod, and scent-control spray.
Conclusion on Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″
The Ameristep Care Taker Magnum Ground Blind Hub-Style Mossy Oak Break-Up Country 300 Durashell Plus 66″ High 59″ offers an excellent balance of features, performance, and affordability. It is a reliable and effective tool for concealing hunters in the field. The price is definitely justified for the features you get.
I would definitely recommend this ground blind to any hunter looking for a quality product without breaking the bank. If you are on a budget, this is a great pick! Get out there and get hunting.