I have the original doghouse. Folding it and getting it back in is a piece of cake once you get the hang of it. You can actually tear it down in have it back in about 2 minutes.(an accomplishment that seems impossible when you first look at the thing lol).
I dont' have much trouble drawing back inside of it. I wouldn't want it any smaller though. I love hunting out of mine. It's great for those "perfect" spots where you can't get a tree stand. Like the others said, never open windows on opposite sides. If possible leave it up if you plan on hunting from the same place a lot. Don't get too spoiled by getting out of the elements and in the cozy confines of the hut (it is nice sometimes).
As far as the deer? I took mine out of the box and headed to the woods with it the first day (should have aired it out first but I didnt'). I popped it up, and was trimming branches, putting stakes in, etc......... I finally got the thing set up where I wanted. I was unzipped my front window and a 6 pointer was standing there about 40 yards from me lol. Instant believer. I've had a lot of deer come right to the thing and never pay it any attention. However I've had some awfully strange looks at it too. Whatever the case, it's a great portable option. Good luck and good hunting.