Deer Stands

It’s getting closer to that time of year when a lot of sportsmen are beginning to think of deer hunting with more than a passing interest.  With that in mind I made a circuit around snapping photos of some deer stands for the benefit of those who may be interested in building one or more for themselves with no idea of where to begin.  These are all somewhat near my home although I own none of them.  I have used some of them in the past though with the owner’s permission.  They are left in place year round, so they do not spook the deer near opening day.

This first one is on my own property, built and placed there by one of my nephews.  Note that it is on a cleared trail of some 6’ in width.  This tends to bring the deer right past it on their way to a corn field which is about 100’ or so directly behind it.  I do not recommend bringing the lab along while using the stand, but it’s okay while photographing.

This next one, a cold weather model, is obviously also placed right next to a corn field across the road from my home.  The deer do not generally walk right near it, but do appear within easy gunshot range.  The idea of placing it where it is, is to use the fence line to sort of blend it into the surroundings.

This is the back side of a stand placed in the woods at the other end of that same corn field.  It also commands a view of a woods trail similar to the one on my property.

This is a side view of the same stand showing the placement of plywood sides to shield the wind some.  The sides are cut low enough to allow shooting in all directions.

This one is a stand up stand.  Note that it is only about a foot in depth.  The owner likes to stand while he bow hunts.  He stands on the platform with a safety strap tied around the tree.  The tree somewhat breaks his silhouette while he patiently awaits his future dinner.

This is a purchased stand that will soon grace the tree it is near.  It is alongside of another cleared trail of some six feet in width leading to a corn field.

This last one has a view of a hay meadow with clover.  It is not as good as alfalfa, but deer do regularly come within gun range of this stand.  I can actually see this one from a window in my home.  The woods is more of a background than a hunting area.  It would be difficult to spot a deer within, even if one was there, which is unlikely.  The food is this side of it.

Happy hunting!!!