Selecting the Best Deer Blind Heater

Why a Deer Blind Heater is Needed

When the temperature drops, staying warm in your deer blind is essential for a successful hunt.  It is impossible to harvest the buck of a lifetime if you are not in the stand when he presents you with a shot. A propane heater can provide the necessary warmth, allowing you to focus on the task at hand without the distraction of the cold. Not only does a comfortable environment enhance your hunting experience, but it can also increase your chances of spotting game. The goal of a heater while in a deer blind is not to heat the space to the same comfort level as your living room, but to take the bite off the cold so you can stay afield longer. Keep this in mind as you are selecting the right model and size for your deer stand heater.

Product Options – Deer Stand Heater

Here are some popular propane options suitable for use as a hunting blind heater:

1. Mr. Heater F232000 Portable Buddy Heater with carry bag

Description: The Mr. Heater F232000 Buddy is a popular choice for indoor and outdoor heating, providing from 4000 BTUs to up to 9,000 BTUs of heat. It features an automatic shut-off system for safety and is designed for use in spaces up to 225 square feet, making it ideal for deer blinds and other outdoor settings. Clean-burning operation.

Pros:

• Safety Features: Equipped with an automatic shut-off if tipped over, if the pilot light goes out, or if oxygen levels drop, ensuring user safety.
• Versatile Heating: High and Low heat settings, can be used with both 1-pound propane bottles and a 20-pound propane tank with a hose adapter.
• Portable Design: Lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and set up in various locations.

Cons:

• Limited Heating Area: Best suited for small to medium spaces; may struggle to heat larger areas effectively.
• Higher Fuel Consumption: Uses more propane, has a projected run time of 3 hours at high setting and 6 hours at low setting

2. Flame King YSN-CHS10 10,000 BTU Propane Space Heater

Description: This Flame King 10,000 BTU Propane Space Radiant Portable Heater is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, providing efficient heating for spaces like deer blinds, garages, and work areas. This heater features advanced thermostatic technology to maintain a consistent temperature and includes safety features such as a built-in safety fuel shutoff and a safety tilt shutoff.  Lightweight design has a molded handle for easy transport, making it suitable for various outdoor activities.

Pros:

• • Reliable Heating: Provides substantial heat output, making it suitable for extreme cold weather conditions.
  • User-Friendly: Simple to operate with an auto-ignition and thermostat dial for easy temperature adjustments.
  • Safe and Versatile Use: Can be used in various settings, including enclosed porches, cabins, and during outdoor events, includes an Oxygen Depletion Sensor to shut off the gas supply to avoid accumulation of carbon monoxide
  • Higher BTU output, suitable for larger spaces.
  • Thermostat control for easy, consistent temperature maintenance.

Cons:

• • Bulky at almost 9 pounds

3. Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy Propane Heater

Description: The Mr. Heater MH18B Portable Propane Heater is a robust heating solution that offers from 4000 BTUs up to 9,000 BTUs of heat. It’s designed for larger spaces and features a safety shut-off, making it a reliable choice for indoor and outdoor use.

Pros:

• Powerful Heating: With a maximum output of 9,000 BTUs, it can effectively heat larger areas, making it suitable for extensive deer blinds or small workshops.
• Multiple Heat Settings: Offers 2 adjustable heat settings, allowing users to customize the temperature to their needs.
• Safety Features: Equipped with an automatic shut-off for added safety during use.

Cons:

• Size and Weight: Bulkier and heavier than smaller models, which may affect portability.

4. Heat Hog 9,000 BTU Portable Propane Heater

Description: The Heat Hog 9,000 BTU LP Portable Heater is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable heating in their deer blinds, garages, or during camping trips. This heater utilizes curved plaque technology to provide a wider heating area and features a tank heating dock to enhance fuel efficiency.

Pros:

• Wider Heating Area: The curved plaque technology and tiltable design allow for a 33° wider heating spread, ensuring that more space is effectively warmed.
• Fuel Efficiency: The tank heating dock keeps the LP tank warm, which helps maintain fuel efficiency and ensures consistent heat output, runs 4.7 hours on a 1lb cylinder
• Versatile Use: Variable heat control makes it suitable for many outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, and workshops, making it a versatile heating solution. It operates on a 1lb cylinder or a 20lb propane tank

Cons:

• Weight: At around 14 pounds, it may be less portable compared to lighter models.

5. Heat Hog Piglet 4,000 BTU Portable Propane Heater

Description: The Heat Hog Piglet 4,000 BTU LP Portable Heater is a compact and lightweight option perfect for smaller spaces like deer blinds or during outdoor activities. Weighing only 5 pounds, it’s easy to transport and set up, making it an excellent choice for hunters on the go.

Pros:

• Lightweight Design: At just 5 pounds, it’s easy to carry, making it ideal for portable use in various outdoor settings.
• Wider Heating Area: Like its larger counterpart, it also features curved plaque technology for a 33° wider heating area.
• Compact Size: Perfect for small spaces, providing adequate heat coverage without taking up too much room.

Cons:

• Lower Heating Capacity: With only 4,000 BTUs, it may not be sufficient for larger areas or extremely cold conditions.
• Small base footprint: makes it susceptible to tipping over

6. Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG 18,000 BTU Cabinet Heater

Description: The Dyna-Glo RMC-8000PGH is a powerful propane heater that delivers up to 18,000 BTUs of heat. It features a built-in safety shut-off and is designed for use in well-ventilated areas, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities like hunting and camping.

Pros:

• High Heat Output: Provides significant heat up to 18,000 BTUs for larger spaces, making it ideal for more extensive deer blinds or outdoor setups.
• Safety Features: Includes an automatic tip over protection switch  and an Oxygen Depletion sensor for safety, ensuring peace of mind during use.
• Durable Construction: Built to withstand outdoor conditions, rolling caster wheels ensure longevity and reliability.

Cons:

• Weight: Heavier at 16+ pounds compared to other portable heaters, making it less convenient to transport.
• Requires Ventilation: Must be used in well-ventilated areas, which may limit its usability in certain situations.

7. Mr. Heater Little Buddy 3800 BTU heater 

Description: The Mr. Heater Little Buddy is just what the description says, a compact and portable heating solution designed for small, enclosed spaces, providing a robust 3,800 BTU of heat per hour to effectively warm areas from 100 to 200 Square feet. Weighing just 5.85 pounds, it features an integrated carry handle for easy transport and a one-button ignition for user-friendly operation. Safety is a priority with built-in Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and tip-over safety shut-off mechanisms, ensuring secure use in confined areas. With a runtime of approximately 5.6 hours on a standard 1-pound propane cylinder, this heater is perfect for hunting blinds and camping setups.

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable
• High heating output for small spaces
• Excellent safety features
• Easy to use and operate

Cons:

• Limited heating area; may not suffice for larger spaces
• No adjustable temperature settings; it’s either on or off
• The base is small, enabling tipping if not properly placed on a level surface

Selecting the Right Size Deer Blind Heater

When selecting a propane heater, consider the size of your deer blind. A general rule of thumb is you will need approximately 20 to 40 Btu’s per square foot of deer blind.  Factors such as actual outside temperature, insulation in the structure of the blind, and wind will affect the actual Btu consumption to heat the blind.  That said, you need to choose a heater with a BTU rating that matches the square footage of your space. For instance, a heater rated at 10,000 BTUs can effectively heat up 200 to 400 square feet to a reasonably comfortable temperature. Always aim for a bit more capacity than you think you’ll need to account for extremely cold, windy conditions.

Safety Considerations When Using a Deer Stand Heater

Safety should be your top priority when using any heating device in an enclosed space:

• Tip-Over Protection: Ensure the heater has a safety feature that shuts it off if it falls over.
• Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS): This feature automatically turns off the heater if oxygen levels drop too low, preventing carbon monoxide buildup.
• Ventilation: Even with safety features, it’s crucial to ensure proper ventilation in your deer blind to avoid any risks.

Does the Scent of a Propane Heater Scare Deer?

Propane itself is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally.  Humans put an odorant into propane, primarily to help humans detect leaks.  Arguably, the most dangerous combustion byproduct of propane being burned for heat is carbon monoxide.  It is also colorless and odorless. Hence, the very important need to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on ventilation.  Various hunting forums disagree on whether a propane heater creates a scent that scares deer, with some saying not at all and others saying yes.  However, the need for scent control is the same whether you use a blind, a treestand, or hunt from the ground.  Deer thrive primarily on their ability to smell danger, and scent control is extremely important, no matter what techniques you use to hunt and what equipment you use. Always pay attention to the wind and the direction that game will approach your location to manage your scent control to the greatest extent possible. There are a number of products designed to aid in this, including:

a) Scent Thief – This spray works to relax the sensors in an animal’s nose to block the signal that triggers a danger response

b) OZONICS—This unit generates ozone that covers and destroys odors, so a deer will not sense any smell that triggers a danger response. They make a fixture to fasten their unit to a ground blind. Read our review on the Ozonics HR600.

Conclusion

Choosing the right hunting blind heater can greatly enhance your hunting experience. Consider your space, the heater’s BTU output, and safety features when selecting. With the right equipment, you can stay warm and focused, increasing your chances of a successful hunt.