Easy Way to Building a Box Blind for Deer Hunting
Deer stands have been used for centuries to provide hunters with an advantage. There are countless deer stands on the market that offers excellent safety and security. Unfortunately, they are expensive.
DIY deer stands are easy to build and save you hundreds of dollars. You'll also gain the satisfaction of building something for yourself. Not sure where to start? In this article, we'll cover 20 DIY deer stands in a wide range of styles, designs, and price points.
Important Details to Consider When Building a Deer Stand
Whether you're a novice or expert hunter, building your deer stand or blind is a rewarding experience. Below are some details you should consider before constructing a tree stand or deer blind.
Deer Stand Height and Size
Deer stands come in a variety of sizes. A large, covered deer stand offers comfort but may be challenging to install in a tree. A tree stand can weigh hundreds of pounds and require several people to install. It also requires more materials and costs more.
If you have trouble climbing trees or ladders, you may want to consider choosing a ground blind or lower tree stand. This can make getting in and out of your deer stand much easier and safer.
Types of Materials to Use
While wood is the most common deer stand material, you can use various other resources to build a deer stand or blind.
Plywood is cheap but may not last as long as other woods. Treated wood protects your tree stand from weather and rot. Painting or sealing the wood also adds a layer of protection to your DIY deer stand to further protect it and keep it looking great for years.
Steel frames are common on professional deer stands and can be used to reinforce your stand.
Want to save money on your design? Use old pallets, fencing materials, scrap metal, insulation, doors, and windows to upgrade your deer stand and make it feel secure. Be creative and use materials you already own.
Related Post: Deer-Resistant Plants
Deer Stand Location
Where should you place your deer stand? We have four suggestions to put your deer stand in the ideal location and give you ample opportunities while hunting.
When choosing a location, consider if your deer stand design will work for the location. For example, a high tree stand may work better than a ground deer blind for your planned location.
- Pinch points funnel deer through smaller areas near creeks or fields.
- Place your stand near a creek or gully crossing.
- Find your local feeding areas and place your deer stand near them.
- Cover trails or trail intersections with your deer stand.
Other Considerations
There are plenty of other considerations you should plan for when choosing a deer plan design:
- Is this a permanent or removable tree stand?
- Will it be easy to install the tree stand?
- Do you want a comfortable stand where you can spend a few days?
- Will it be easy to climb into the stand?
- What materials do you already own that can be recycled and used in the design?
- What type of weather conditions will you encounter during hunting trips?
Free Deer Stand Plans to Consider
So let's talk about plans. We've compiled a list of 20 free DIY deer stand plans for your consideration. We tried to cover all design styles and sizes during our research. You'll find everything from simple tree stands to treehouse cabins below.
We encourage you to review these plans and find one that meets your hunting style and budget.
4 x 8 Covered Deer Stand Plans
If you are looking for a no-frills, covered stand, this deer stand plan should be perfect. It features a 4-by-8 base and an interior height of 6 feet. This DIY stand offers comfort and will keep you dry on those rainy days hunting. Included in these plans are a detailed shopping and cutting list to make the project easier.
5 x 5 Deer Blind Plans
This 5-by-5 deer blind is ideal for ground or tree use. The deer blind is cost-effective yet durable. The free roof plans are also available, making this deer blind great for bad weather hunting as well.
4 x 6 Deer Stand Plans
Another standard deer stand design, this 4-by-6 stand offers ample room and protection while hunting. Adding a door to your stand can add more protection for you while out in the elements.
17-Foot Hunter Tower Stand Plans
If you can't find a suitable tree for your stand, consider building a tower. This homemade deer hunting stand is built on a 17-foot tower. With a 15-foot shooting height in every direction, this DIY tower stand will give you a bird's eye view of the surroundings.
Inexpensive Hunting Blind
Are you interested in hunting on a budget? This hunting blind can be built for as little as $100 if used as a ground blind. Don't forget to improvise and use materials you may already own to lower the cost of building this inexpensive hunting blind.
DIY Wide Box Blind Plans
Wider than other blinds, this 4-by-8 box blind for deer hunting is ideal for ground use. Built from plywood, this is an affordable and easy-to-transport option for hunters. Don't forget to stain or paint the blind if you are not using treated wood. It will protect your wood from the elements and weather damage.
Simple Tree Stand With Ladder
This simple-to-build stand will have you up in the trees hunting in no time. A seat and ladder have been used to hunt for centuries. While this tree stand might not provide weather protection, it is quick and easy to build. It is also easy to remove if required.
Basic Wooden Deer Stand Plans
For a simple, no-frills deer stand plan, check out these designs. This stand is easy and affordable to build. Its design also makes it easy to disassemble and transport to new locations. The design is compatible with a wide range of woods, so choose the wood that meets your needs and budget.
Ground Blind Design
Tree stands are not ideal for every hunter. When you have difficulty climbing ladders or don't have an appropriate place to install a tree stand, a ground blind is a great alternative. Here's a great ground blind design that should meet your needs. This design used old fencing materials and pallets to save a ton of money on new wood purchases. Don't forget to get creative when designing your deer stand or deer blind.
6 x 6 Deer Blind Plans
This 6-by-6 deer blind design features windows on all sides to provide 360-degree coverage of your property. The plan is incredibly detailed and includes a detailed shopping list, tool list, and step-by-step instructions. Follow this plan, and you'll have a new 6-by-6 deer blind built in less than a weekend.
DIY Deer Hunter Ladder Stand
One of the most affordable options on this list, this ladder stand is ideal for novice to expert hunters. It requires minimal materials and is built using few tools. If you are looking for a quick way to make your DIY deer stand, this choice might be your best option.
6 x 8 Deer Blind Plans
Do you learn better by watching instead of reading? This YouTube video is part one in a series on how to build a 6-by-8 deer blind. The video goes into detail and will cover the entire construction process. The estimated cost of this deer blind is $500.
Pallet Hunting Blind Plans
We love to save money, and one of the best ways to save money on any DIY project is to use materials you already own. This hunting blind design uses discarded wood pallets. Other materials you can use include old fencing, insulation, leftover paints, and old windows. You'll save money and clean up junk around your home at the same time.
Portable Deer Box Blind Plans
Many hunters require portability in their deer blind design. Additionally, this design is light and easy to assemble. While this box blind design is simple, it can still be extremely effective for many hunters.
Natural Ground Blind Plans
As long as you have the tools, a natural ground blind will be free to build. This design will show you how to build a natural ground blind using materials on your property. The ultimate free DIY deer blind is built almost anywhere there are trees and branches.
Simple Tree Stand Plans
This simple tree stand design can be built by carpenters of almost any skill level. The plan is detailed and provides ample diagrams to help you during construction.
Cargo Trailer to Hunting Blind Conversion
Do you have a cargo trailer that you don't use? Convert it to a hunting blind. Trailers offer amazing mobility and protection from the elements. While this build may require expert skills, you could save yourself hundreds of dollars on materials.
Budget Hunting Cabin Plans
This design is for hunters that are looking more for comfort. The 12-by-20 cabin can function as a hunting cabin for your friends and family. With an estimated material cost of $2200, you can own a private cabin in the woods that will last a lifetime. This cabin would make a perfect home base during extending camping or hunting adventures.
Trailer Deer Stand Plans
It's time to get creative with deer stand design. You should look around your home to see if you have any materials for construction. The deer stands shown here are excellent at using materials that the designers already owned.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many ways to build a deer stand. In this article, we've highlighted both simple and complex deer stand plans that will enhance your vantage point. Hopefully, there's a plan that meets your needs and budget.
We encourage you to use materials you already own or can find. For example, old fence posts and unwanted pallets are a great source of free wood, and re-using them will save you money and help you clean up unwanted junk around your home.
Now, get out there and start your DIY deer stand project!
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