Deer Stands

[wilkesjb10]

Hi,
I've been looking to build a elevated deer blind to comfortably fit two people for next deer season. My son is getting old enough to come hunting and i need a stand he can hunt in with me. I've looked at the two person ladder stands but i feel like i can build a more comfortable blind for the price of one or cheaper. Does anyone have any pictures or any ideas for building one. I've got a basic plan but any input would help. Thanks, Josh

 

[Smallplot]

Josh with all different configurations of stands you may need to be more descriptive. What type of material are you looking to use, are you looking at a box blind type of stand, and will you be gun hunting or using a bow? Just a few questions that come to mind

 

[nybirdman]

If you are going to build a free standing box blind check out"'elovators box blind supports" I use them to build a box blind a couple years ago.Good starting point.

 

[nybirdman]

4x4 Double 8°s

 

[grnspot110]

I prefer to have mine elevated by the use of high ground! 6'x6', mostly used materials, also makes a good winter "break room". ~~ grnspot

 

[wilkesjb10]

The stand will mainly be used for rifle hunting and yes, i'm looking at an elevated blind type. i've found some pictures on the internet but was looking for some examples to design off of.

 

[Avondale]

I have built a few, will get some pictures next time out and send some. In my experience, I can build for much better for less than a store bought ladder stand. Using new, diminsional lumber and common tools, have built a 4'x6' stand on 16' legs (2' buried in ground for stability) with deck about 10' off ground (I use remaining legs above deck level for wall supports) for under $200.00 (included roof, walls, ladder, hardware and preservative stain).

I have also built using cedar logs to save money (from my own bush) but that does make it a bit more difficult to assemble.

 

[Avondale]

as mentioned...

I use these for bow hunting so wanted an open deck area. For gun hunting, you could enclose more of it, add a shooting rail, etc.

 

[forgeblast]

I went to the 4x4 double 8 site they said you can get their product at gander mountain.
Nice stand avondale, I like the way its backed up to the hemlocks.

 

[Western]

Josh with all different configurations of stands you may need to be more descriptive. What type of material are you looking to use,

I agree, Do you have any materials already? metal, or wood.

Reason I ask is, I built an 8'x8' this year. The base is all steel since I had it laying around, the box is standard 2"x4" built. The stand base I made is 13' to the in-floor door,( I did this since I had the room and wouldn't have the extra water issues).

Building a blind is pretty basic construction depending on the materials you have/buy. Also what level of skill and tools you have available, either way, there is enough knowledge on TBN to build you a 6000 sq ft blind so..

I have, if bought now, around $200 in the steel base, 3"x3" square leg post cemented in the ground, 3'x3' outside base frame with 6" perlin as floor joist on 16" center. I also framed the in-floor door with 3"x3".

$450 approx. for the "box"
2 sheets of #2 3/4" plywood for the decking (floor)(( easy since at 8'x8' it works out with no cutting))

Walls I built, then had help and a tractor getting them up and lag bolted to through the metal frame. all 2"x4" standard construction, 7'6" tall. I used 7/16 OSB and 3 coats of exterior flat Green. The roof I also used the same OSB, but used 2"x4"s for roof joist and used metal hangers. put down new roof felt and used some old barn tin for now that I had from an old chicken coop I took down at my mothers. ( I used metal "drip edge" on the roof as well)

Last I caulked the exterior corners and trimmed with 1"x3"s
took about 2 1/2 days at my speed:laughing:
I can get photos if you'd like.

What ever you build, build around your windows if you have some , or if going new, at least know the size opening you need to trim out. same goes for the door. If your going Plexi-glass to save $$ then see whats available there (width / height).

Deer view windows has some good stuff, I used the "hinge windows" but after getting them i will later change to the sliders.

Deer View Windows

 

[yomax4]

A friend got some free pallet racking and very simply set up a 14' rack that is 4x6'. Built a wooden floor and uses a fold up portable blind on top. Very nice and not much cost.

 

[foggy1111]

Not sure where you are from. But in MN I put up a half dozen of these roto-molded stands. They cost me about $800 a peice with stand, ladder, windows and all treated lumber. About 5 feet diameter. I have some on 12' high 4x4's and a few are higher (to 16').

I like em for safety and with a small heater they are quite warm. We use a swivel office chair in ours. Young hunters can get away with allot of movement in these stands. And....if you doze off....you wont fall on your fanny. :laughing:

 

[buck12]

I have built several enclosed stands over the years and no two are alike. One piece of advice is to take a step ladder to the stand location before building to determine the height that best fits the location. Happy hunting.

 

[forgeblast]

Foggy do you burry the legs into holes or use wire and ground anchors to hold them in place?

 

[nybirdman]

Definately use guy wires.My brother-in-law didn't and his blew over.Mine has the guys and a full staircase.

 

[foggy1111]

Foggy do you burry the legs into holes or use wire and ground anchors to hold them in place?

Normally I drive a fence post alongside two (or more) of the posts. Then I drill holes and use screws to attach the posts together.

I also have used ground anchors / cables......and have driven treated 2x4's into the ground alonside - just as with the steel posts.

None have ever tipped over through several years of use.

 

[Cajunpride]

Hi,
I've been looking to build a elevated deer blind to comfortably fit two people for next deer season. My son is getting old enough to come hunting and i need a stand he can hunt in with me. I've looked at the two person ladder stands but i feel like i can build a more comfortable blind for the price of one or cheaper. Does anyone have any pictures or any ideas for building one. I've got a basic plan but any input would help. Thanks, Josh

Hey Josh........I was in the same situation before this past hunting season. Wanting to bring my wife and my sons from time to time, I opted for a couple of 4x6 molded box blinds called the sportsman's condos at about $1100 a piece. These came without legs however, there was a steel base included with the box that had 4.5' x 4.5" tubing extensions welded in position. All I had to do was buy four 4x4's.....8' in length, slip them into the tubes and lag bolt them into position. This was done with the stands on their sides. They were easily stood up by hand with two guys. These are pretty nice and stay really warm with a nice heater. It's pretty tight with two adults.

Next, I decided to attempt a build of my own with the help of a cousin. We built two 4x6 boxes that came out awesome. I have two office chairs in each one along with a heater and there is plenty of room. I used Plexiglas for the windows and made a vertical track on the outside of the stand for them to slide in. I installed drip guards above all of the windows and doors. We built them with sloping roofs.......6.5' on the short side and 7' on the tall side.

I fabricated the bases out of 2.5" angle for the frame that the blind sits in. I made each base 6' x 6' to allow for a 2' porch on the back of each stand. The legs were made from 2 3/8" drill stem. Overall, with the lumber, paint, Plexiglas, screws, carpet and the steel for the bases, I don't have $700 invested.....in both stands! If you are handy with a tape, skill saw and screw gun.....I'd recommend building your own.:thumbsup:

I hope this info helps..........good luck to you!

Scotty

 

[Dan Hunter]

I love the spirit of this thread. Stands that allow for two or more comfortably make me happy. I've built one on my ranch and I'll be building two more - one with a loft - this spring. I can appreciate that people want to go out and hang in a tree on their own but I love going out to the blind with my wife and spending the day. It doesn't hurt that it's carpeted, has a heater and is completely weather tight. When it's her turn to shoot, I swear I've never slept better than in that chair as I fall off listening to Prairie Home Companion or whatever. A single blind is a shelter; a two-person blind has no limits. Cull, camp...don't make me come up with another "c" word - but that's just another good reason to build a bit roomier.

 

[tech141]

I love the spirit of this thread. Stands that allow for two or more comfortably make me happy. I've built one on my ranch and I'll be building two more - one with a loft - this spring. I can appreciate that people want to go out and hang in a tree on their own but I love going out to the blind with my wife and spending the day. It doesn't hurt that it's carpeted, has a heater and is completely weather tight. When it's her turn to shoot, I swear I've never slept better than in that chair as I fall off listening to Prairie Home Companion or whatever. A single blind is a shelter; a two-person blind has no limits. Cull, camp...don't make me come up with another "c" word - but that's just another good reason to build a bit roomier.

Very nice post. It does my soul good to hear from someone else who truly enjoys his spouses company. I hear nothing but complaints all day long at work - guys whining about their wives, complaining and moaning. Has really gotten old.

 

[Western]

Very nice post. It does my soul good to hear from someone else who truly enjoys his spouses company. I hear nothing but complaints all day long at work - guys whining about their wives, complaining and moaning. Has really gotten old.

Aint that the truth:laughing: Thats how they are until dinner time!! Then mamas gold.

I enjoy doing things with my wife, she was with me years ago when I took my 1st Bull elk. 9 hours of packing him out, eating snow and she even got to see a cougar! real trooper. One of the most memorable hunts I've had.