How to Build Deer Tree Stands

A deer tree stand affords a better view.

Building a deer tree stand is a fun project for a weekend or day off, and it is a great way to prepare for the next season. Hunting from a lofted position in a tree stand affords a more commanding view of your surroundings and can make it more difficult for deer to detect your presence in the forest. Fortunately, you do not have to spend a lot of money to build your own deer tree stand--you may already have many of the necessary materials lying around your garage or woodshop.

Things You'll Need

• Half-inch plywood
• Two-by-four studs
• Tape measure
• Circular saw
• Chop saw (optional)
• All-weather screws
• Cordless drill
• Hammer
• Nails
• Short stool

Instructions

1. Locate your deer tree stand in a clump of close-growing trees. Find three trees growing closely together (no further than four feet apart at a point 10 to 15 feet above the ground). Choose trees that have at least 18-inch trunk diameters.

2. Measure the distance between two adjacent tree trunks and cut a series of two-by-four studs to fit. Install the studs to the trunks at 18-inch intervals, using all-weather screws.

3. Measure the distances between the inside edges of the three trunks at the desired height for your deer tree stand platform (10 to 15 feet above the ground). Cut three two-by-four studs to fit and lay the studs on the ground to outline the platform shape.

4. Cut a section of half-inch plywood to match the two-by-four framework. Screw the two-by-four support studs to the inside edges of the three tree trunks at the desired platform height. Screw the platform onto the two-by-four supports. You may need a friend's assistance to hoist the platform into position.

5. Measure the distances between the trunks three feet above the platform and cut three two-by-four studs to fit. Screw the studs to the trees three feet above the platform to fashion a safety railing and gun rest.

6. Move a stool into position on your platform and hammer a few nails into the trunks nearby to serve as clothing hooks while hunting.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan to finish your deer tree stand at least one month before hunting, to allow time for the deer to adjust to the new smells.

References

• How To Build a Deer Stand