Some of you might remember me from being on here 2-3 years ago. My son wanted to take up the longbow, and he got a great Crusader after getting some advice here. Well, he had a sledding accident and at 27, is paralyzed from the waist down. Not much stopping him though. Last week a good friend set up his blind for us on a pronghorn waterhole. Problem was his factory made blind was just too small for longbow shooting from a wheel chair. Both close shots he had to swing some on and limb tips hit the inside. No goat. Now we're looking for best advice on factory blinds or building our own. There aren't many out there that look roomy enough. And if they are, the windows are too low for sitting in a wheelchair. Any ideas??

Wally, I'm very sorry to hear of the sledding accident misfortune.

It's good to hear that he is still shooting though.

Sorry, but I'm not much help on portable blinds. Is it possible to set up a few natural blinds?

I have an Ameristep "Penthouse" blind, and I think it would work. I'm about 6'3" and can shoot my 66" Crusader in it with my son in there (with his bow).

Hate to hear that about your son, but glad he's not letting it stop him!

Chad

Wow, that is a terrible but great story. Like everyone above, sorry to hear about the accident but glad to hear he is doing well.

I would recommend the Double Bull Matrix. It is roomy and you can adjust your windows up, down and all the way around. I hunted turkeys out of one this spring with a bow and 3 people inside it. One calling, one videoing and one shooting. They are expensive, but well worth the money. You can set them up and break them down in seconds, not minutes. I think if you go to the classified forum a guy is selling them for either $350 or $375 shipped. That is a pretty good price. I will own one before next turkey season. Good luck!

Thanks Chad, and everyone else. The Ameristep Penthouse TSC looks pretty good. They even advertise the door as 'wheelchair accessible' and the other dimensions look good. Any knocks on the TSC business? Seems like someone said they were hotter or didn't breathe well or something.

Thanks guys.
Tom

I use one here in MS. I will say that it's used as an example on the Double Bull DVD (not mentioned by name, but obviously the same one) as "inferior", "chases game away", etc, etc. etc. I hunt in the dense woods instead of an open prarie, so wind flap may be a concern. Personally I have no complaints with mine, and although I haven't shot at a deer from it yet, my buddy had his camera set up by it andgot lots of pictures--didn't seem to bother the deer one bit.

Chad

Like Miller said, I suggest a double bull. If I'm not mistaken they make one specially designed for traditional bows.

If you scroll down, you can see there is a Recurve model that is 74" tall. With the can't of the bow that should be plenty of room. Good luck to your son.

Thanks dwd2001 and others. I talked on the phone to John from double bull today. The problem with the recurve model is that it just isn't wheelchair accessible. You can't imagine how frustrating it is unless you know from personal experience. His comment was 'Well, you can just lift it up and set it over him.' I replied that we are in Wyoming, where the wind blows every now and then. He said 'You can stake it down'. I explained that there are times he doesn't want the old man in there with him, I have to go park the truck, etc. If he takes a shot and wants out, it can't be staked down. Waiting for me to come unstake it is sort of like asking me to help him wipe --- it just isn't good for the attitude. I have no doubts the 'recurve model' is excellent. I got zero positive feedback when I asked about modifying the entry, or any custom work. So, we'll check it out for potential mods by my local tent & awning shop, but I'm hesitant right now.
Also kinda disappointed, I thought the maker of the top of the line blinds would be a little more cooperative. The one Chad recommended comes closest in terms of size and access.
Tom

That is kind of disappointing. I have another idea, are you familiar with the PCBA (physically challenged bowhunters association)? Every year in Gillette they have a big hunt, banquet, etc. If you are interested I can get you in touch with someone there and you could talk with them and how they accompany all their differently challenged hunters. PM me if you are interested and I'll see what I can do.

dwd2001 --- I pm'd you just now...