Stand Ideas

[maroonandwhite]

I'm hunting out of an old ladder stand now and am thinking about trying to build an enclosed box stand in a group of trees but am wondering how expensive that might be. I'm sure someone on here has built one. I don't need a fancy one just something with plexiglass windows on hinges and a roof to keep the breeze out. Anyone have a round about cost one building one versus just getting a tripod and an enclosure to go on it? My main concern is having some type of shooting rest but the wifes main concern is being able to take a propane heater:)

[roverboy]

I've never built one, but I've seen'em and if you had some plywood or OSB and some 2x4's it would be doable. I say build it.

[whiskey]

A carpenter, I am not. I couldn't build and "L" out of 2x4's.

I have seen people use old satellite dishes for the roofs. They are getting harder to find now.

[Glenn]

We used to build a lot of treehouses as kids. One thing I learned was don't build between two trees. When the wind blows they sometimes go in different directions and pull your building apart.

Glenn

[maroonandwhite]

We used to build a lot of treehouses as kids. One thing I learned was don't build between two trees. When the wind blows they sometimes go in different directions and pull your building apart.

Glenn

Never thought of that but I can imagine that would ruin my day

[dats82]

To save a little money, hit up construction sites and such for scrap wood. They usually have a scrap pile, especially if they are building concrete forms. Another thing you might want to look into is using truck bed liners as your roof and sides. Most of the spray-in places will give you the old liners for free. Then you just cut them to the desired size and attach them the same as wood. these will last much longer the osb or plywood. I have also used old pallets for wood too. As far as where to build it, try finding a tree that has large branches lower in the tree and build off that.

[roverboy]

Like dats82 said build on lower branches that are strong. I built a stand once between 2 trees and it was a good stand but the wind twisted the heck out of it. I saw a pic of a stand in a magazine of a Ford van in a tree as a stand.

[maroonandwhite]

Well I was thinking of building a triangular shaped base in between three trees and using some good wood and lag bolts. Do you think the wind would be a big factor if I did it that way? If so it is starting to sound like a good tripod with a good shooting rest and a cover might be my best bet.

[roverboy]

Bendbolden, if you built it with 3 trees and big lag bolts it would be stronger. But if I used it after some time went by I'd check it over good.

[Westwindmike]

Why not build a free standing shoot house? My brother and his son built one in their garage, then took it to the woods and put it up on 4x4's, 8 feet in the air. Works great, and you stay warm with the heater fired up.

[maroonandwhite]

I considered that but the location I am in doesn't permit putting one there. I am building this stand right on the treeline overlooking my field on one side and a creek on the backside so my options are limited. I'm just thinking maybe using 2x12's for the base structure and secure them really well. It will be more expensive but I might as well do it right. I know in my first post I made out like I wanted a quick fix but the more I think about it this is a prime hunting spot so I am going to put the extra effort in even if I have to wait longer for completion. Should I wait until after this season to start construction?

[maroonandwhite]

Why not build a free standing shoot house? My brother and his son built one in their garage, then took it to the woods and put it up on 4x4's, 8 feet in the air. Works great, and you stay warm with the heater fired up.

After looking at my location again this is a possibility. I'm not sure exactly how high I could go with it but at least four feet so that should give me the view I am looking for. Can anyone give any input on the size I should build it for two comfortable people? I'm thinking a 4x8 which would minimize lumber cost.

[memphismason]

I have been considering a build like this, and my dimensions I came up with are 4X8 for the platform.

[maroonandwhite]

Just to let everyone know what I decided; I happened to go into Dick's last night to pickup some things and noticed they have a extra wide ladder stand (2 people?) with a cover included for $170 plus tax. I had never seen them online or anywhere for that matter but that fits my needs for cover and warmth and I got off pretty cheap.

[Guest sneakboxer]

Good call on not building a stand like a tree house. I have had the pleasure of falling out of two of them when i was younger. Wind, growth, rot, and rust are all factors that i over looked when i was younger. An elevated shoot house would be the only route i would take if normal tree stands would not work.

Stay safe and shoot them up,