How To Build A Deer Hunting Stand

Hunters frequently wonder how to build a deer hunting stand.  A deer hunting stand is essential for any serious hunter who has his own land to hunt on.  The following guide will help you build a deer hunting stand.

To build a deer hunting stand, you will need:

• Nails
• Ladder
• A good supply of new or used wood

1. If you do not own the land you are hunting on, than you will need to get permission to build a deer hunting stand from the property's owner.
   
2. Scout out a location that has a lot of deer activity.
   
3. Choose a tree in the area that has a sturdy V shape formed by two branches.  This will support your deer hunting stand.
4. You will need to build a platform on the ground and then lift it into the tree.  Start by building the frame of the platform.  The easiest way to do this is by using 2x6 pieces of board to create the four sides of the frame and 2x4 pieces of wood nailed about every two feet.  Seven feet is a good length for the platform, but you can make it as small or as large as you desire.
5. Instead of using one solid sheet of wood to create the flooring for your platform, it is best to use 1x6 boards and nail them onto the frame.  Leaving a small space between each board will allow rain to drain off of the platform, preventing rotting.
6. Brace the platform by nailing support beams to either side of the tree branches.
   
7. Get help from a friend or two and lift your platform onto the branches and secure with nails.
   
8. Attach a ladder to the platform so that you can easily reach it.