How to Build Homemade Hunting Tree Stands
Building a tree stand for hunting is a rewarding weekend project, and it doesn't have to cost a lot for materials. If you often build projects at home, you likely have most or all of the materials you need in your scrap pile. The elevated position of a tree stand makes it easier to spot deer and other game while remaining undetected. With the right preparation, you can build a home-made tree stand in an afternoon.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 by 4 boards
- 1/2-inch plywood
- Stool
- Cordless drill
- Circular saw
- Measuring tape
- Hammer
- Pencil
- Nails
- Galvanized all-weather screws
Instructions
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Find a group of trees growing close together. Look for a clump of three trees with at least 18-inch-diameter trunks. The trunks should be about 3 feet apart at a point 10 to 15 feet above the ground.
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2
Measure the distance between two adjacent trunks and cut lengths of 2 by 4 board to fit. Screw the lengths of board to the trunks at 18-inch intervals until the desired platform height is reached (no higher that 15 feet above the ground).
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3
Measure the distances between the interior edges of the tree trunks at the platform height. Cut three lengths of 2-by-4 board to fit. Lay the three lengths of board on the ground and cut a piece of half-inch plywood to fit the resulting shape.
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4
Screw the 2-by-4 platform support boards to the inside edges of the tree trunks at the desired height. Screw the half-inch plywood platform onto the support boards.
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5
Measure the distances between the interior edges of the three trunks again, this time at a height about 3 feet above the platform. Cut three lengths of 2-by-4 board to fit, and screw the boards to the inside edges of the tree trunks 3 feet above the platform to make a safety railing.
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Set a stool on the platform, and drive a few nails into the trunks above the safety railing to serve as hooks for hunting clothes, a thermos, and equipment.
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7
Complete the home-made hunting tree stand at least one full month before you intend to use it for hunting: Game will avoid the area for a time after construction is finished because of the new smells associated with the tree stand.
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Tips & Warnings
Always exercise care when using power saws.
Resources
- Photo Credit deer image by david purday from Fotolia.com
