Hunting from a Quick Set Blind w/ a dog

[Mike Bard]

I just bought a used boat equiped with an Avery Quick Set Blind. I have a young lab I'll be hunting with next season...how do I get him in and out to make the retrieves? Lift up the blind? I wish there was an opening in the blind so he could see out and enter and exit from it.

Do you think it would be safe to cut a hole such as this in the fabric and maybe stitch around it, as not to cause any ripping?

I haven't been out in the boat yet, as I picked it up after our season ended, so I haven't fully explored the blind yet either... is there a trick those of you with dogs use?

[SwampHunter]

Mike,
Try the Avery Double Duty Dog Stand. The dog does not have to get all of the way in the blind with it attached to the boat.

[Mike Bard]

Thanks... anyone know where I can find that? Or if it goes by a different name?

[Mike Bard]

I checked Cabelas, Bass Pro, and Mack's for this and didn't find it. Maybe Bass pro will order one for me after their new store opens in Auburn.

[David Carrington]

Don’t cut a hole in your blind!! The Double-Duty Dog Stand is a good way to go, and will add versatility to where you position you dog for the best advantage to mark the fall of the birds. I believe Woods & Waters in Tuscaloosa Alabama has them in stock. You can contact them at 205-333-1214 or you can order off their web site at: WWW.wood-n-waters.com. (http://WWW.wood-n-waters.com.)
Also, what I have done in the past is move the camo and wind-blocker curtains where they split at the spot on your boat where you want your dog to sit every time you setup. Your dog can then poke his head out the hole you have created. This will limit which side of the boat he sits on and requires just a little more though in setting-up.
Getting him back in the boat will require you to either pull him back in or just put your hand behind his head and let him push back against it to help him back in. You will have to teach him to come back to the same spot every time or just raise the material wherever he comes back to you.

[Mike Bard]

Thanks David