Mobile Turkey Bow Blinds · #5
Care Taker Kick Out
Ameristep
The Ameristep Care Taker Kick Out is an intelligent design that addresses a common problem with compact blinds: limited shoulder room for a bow draw. By incorporating kick-out panels, Ameristep has managed to create a blind that remains relatively compact and packable for mobile hunting, yet expands just enough to give a bow hunter the crucial space needed for a full, unhindered draw. This design makes it a much more viable option for bow hunters who prioritize portability but refuse to compromise on their ability to execute a shot. Packed up, it's quite manageable for decent walks, making it suitable for getting into those less-pressured areas. Setup is typical for a hub blind – quick and relatively silent. The interior is adequately dark to conceal movement, and the kick-out panels really do make a difference when you bring your bow to full draw, preventing limb contact with the blind walls. The windows offer good versatility for shooting lanes, with mesh panels that help with concealment while allowing some visibility. This blind is a smart compromise. It’s for the bow hunter who needs to move light and fast, but knows that having proper draw room is non-negotiable for consistent accuracy. The trade-off is that it’s not as spacious as full-sized blinds, even with the kick-outs engaged, so you'll still be in a more compact setup. However, the added functionality for bow hunting within a packable footprint makes it a strong contender for fall turkey bow season. It offers a unique solution to a specific bow hunting need without becoming overly bulky.
Pros
- Dedicated bow draw space with kick-out panels
- Excellent balance of portability and interior space
- Very quick and quiet setup
- Effective shoot-through mesh concealment
- Good value for a specialized mobile bow blind
Cons
- Not as spacious as larger, non-mobile blinds
- Some internal movement can be visible if not careful
- Durability is solid but not top-tier for extreme abuse
Best uses
- Mobile Turkey Bow Hunting
- Run-and-Gun Hunting
- Solo Ambush Hunts
- Quick Setups
Key features
- Weight
- Approx 14 lbs
- Capacity
- 1 Hunter
- Packed Size
- Around 8" x 42" (approx)
- Setup Time
- Under 60 seconds
- Key Feature
- Kick-out panels for bow draw
- Shooting
- Shoot-through mesh windows
Best for
Mobile Turkey Bow Hunting, Run-and-Gun Hunting, Solo Ambush Hunts, Quick Setups
Where to buy the Care Taker Kick Out
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The Ameristep Care Taker Kick Out earns its spot by smartly tackling a problem many bow hunters face: how to get enough draw room in a truly mobile blind without lugging around a behemoth. This isn't a massive, luxury hub blind for an all-day sit with two buddies. Instead, it’s a focused tool for the hunter who needs to get in, get set up fast, and execute a shot without compromising on space for their bow limbs. The "kick-out" panels are the key here, and they're genuinely effective. They transform a tight space into a workable one for a full draw, making a world of difference when a gobbler steps into range. From a practical standpoint, it hits the sweet spot for fall turkey bow hunting. Its packed size and weight are manageable for the kind of run-and-gun tactics often employed when chasing wary longbeards. Setting it up is quick and intuitive, which is crucial when you're trying to beat a bird to a spot or relocate rapidly. While it might not be as spacious as some larger options, its design priorities are clear: provide just enough crucial space for a bow shot while remaining portable. It’s a purposeful piece of gear for a specific type of hunting. This blind is for the bow hunter who prioritizes mobility and doesn’t want to be hindered by their gear. It acknowledges that a full, unhindered draw is non-negotiable for ethical bow hunting, and it delivers that capability within a portable footprint. It’s not trying to be all things to all hunters, but for those who need an efficient, packable, bow-friendly option for quick setups and mobile hunting, it's a solid choice that performs reliably.
- Packed Size
- Around 8" x 42" (approx)
- Weight
- Approx 14 lbs
- Setup Time
- Under 60 seconds
- Key Feature
- Kick-out panels for bow draw
- Shooting
- Shoot-through mesh windows
- Capacity
- 1 Hunter
Who It's For
This blind is purpose-built for the mobile bow hunter chasing fall turkeys. If your strategy involves scouting, quickly relocating, and setting up in opportune spots, this fits the bill. It's not for a leisurely all-day sit with a cooler and a camp chair. It caters to those who need to remain light and agile but demand enough room to execute a clean bow shot. Think solo hunters who are willing to put in the legwork to find birds and need a blind that keeps up with that pace, rather than slowing them down.
Materials & Build
The construction is typical of Ameristep's mid-range hub blinds: durable, but not over-engineered. The fabric is a weather-resistant polyester, reasonably quiet to the touch, and designed to minimize shine. The hub mechanisms are solid enough for regular use, deploying and collapsing smoothly. Stitching is adequate, and the poles provide good structural integrity. The blacked-out interior does a decent job of hiding movement. Overall, it's built to withstand a season or two of aggressive use, with careful handling extending its lifespan further. It's a workhorse, not a show pony.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Care Taker Kick Out performs exactly as advertised. The kick-out panels are the star; they genuinely provide that extra crucial space for drawing a bow without limb contact. Setup is indeed quick and relatively quiet, a huge advantage when you're trying to set up on birds. The shoot-through mesh is effective for concealment, though like all mesh, it slightly reduces light and can pick up debris. Visibility out is good through the main window openings. It brushes in well enough with local vegetation, making it easy to disappear into cover, which is critical for unconditioned turkeys.
Durability & Longevity
Durability is good for its price point. The fabric holds up to typical snags and scrapes, and the hubs are reliable. However, like any hub blind, consistent rough handling during deployment or takedown can lead to issues. Pay attention to the zipper quality on the windows, as these are often the first points of failure. With proper care – drying it out after each use, storing it properly, and being mindful during setup – you can expect several seasons of solid performance. It's a tool that earns its keep, not something you'd expect to last a decade of heavy abuse.
Fit & Tuning Notes
The kick-out panels are straightforward to engage and disengage; practice this a few times before hunting. For optimal bow draw, position yourself slightly off-center towards the back, allowing your bow hand to push into the kick-out space. Experiment with chair height to ensure a comfortable shooting position for both open windows and through the mesh. The dark interior helps, but wearing dark clothing is still recommended. Take advantage of the brushing straps to incorporate natural cover, as this makes a big difference in how quickly birds accept the blind.
How we chose
We started with a long list of mobile turkey bow blinds that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
Care Taker Kick Out — frequently asked questions
- Is the Care Taker Kick Out worth it?
- We rank it #5 in Mobile Turkey Bow Blinds. The Ameristep Care Taker Kick Out is an intelligent design that addresses a common problem with compact blinds: limited shoulder room for a bow draw. By incorporating kick-out panels, Ameristep has managed to create a blind that remains relatively compact and packable for mobile hunting, yet expands just enough to…
- What is the Care Taker Kick Out best for?
- Best for mobile turkey bow hunting, run-and-gun hunting, solo ambush hunts and quick setups. Standouts: dedicated bow draw space with kick-out panels and excellent balance of portability and interior space.
- What are the downsides of the Care Taker Kick Out?
- Not as spacious as larger, non-mobile blinds, Some internal movement can be visible if not careful and Durability is solid but not top-tier for extreme abuse.
- What are the key specs of the Care Taker Kick Out?
- Packed Size: Around 8" x 42" (approx) · Weight: Approx 14 lbs · Setup Time: Under 60 seconds · Key Feature: Kick-out panels for bow draw · Shooting: Shoot-through mesh windows
- Who It's For?
- This blind is purpose-built for the mobile bow hunter chasing fall turkeys. If your strategy involves scouting, quickly relocating, and setting up in opportune spots, this fits the bill.
- Materials & Build — what should I know about the Care Taker Kick Out?
- The construction is typical of Ameristep's mid-range hub blinds: durable, but not over-engineered. The fabric is a weather-resistant polyester, reasonably quiet to the touch, and designed to minimize shine.