Build Your Deer Hunting Box Blind - The Right Size!

[@paulrovira873]

It’s refreshing to hear a person say what he feels

[@kevink552]

I'm building my first 6'x8' blind right now for the 2024 season, been hunting out of a 4'x6' for years and can't wait to get into it this fall. I also have 6 tree stands 15',16' and 22', had an accident at work last year and broke my back, doctor told me another fall would probably kill me. I'm about 85% recovered, walking very good and won't climb another ladder again. Ignore the naysayers, most of them have never taken their kids or wives with them on a hunt, box blinds rule for teaching fidgety kids and newbies to hunt. Now that I'm older I'm appreciating the warmth they provide in subzero weather, {I've always used them when the weather turns bad during hunting season}. Many a day I've sat in my little 4'x6' with the Little Buddy heater going in comfort when it was 25 below zero.

[@UncleBucks]

Wise words! I don't let the haters bother me anymore. I just have a little fun with some snarky replies to their self righteous comments. Glad to hear you are still able to get after the deer. Enjoy that spacious new blind this fall & good luck!!

[@George-ro6bw]

I built a 6 x 6 insulated raised blind with an office chair in it for hunting on my property. The problem with the blind is that it is so comfortable that most of the time I only see the back of my eyelids.

[@UncleBucks]

Well at least you're not freezing and miserable. Odds are still a little better than being at home on the couch 😆

[@markraposo8076]

Lmao

[@twowander2470]

My buddy has an insulated raised blind I call the Taj Mahal. I used to give him a hard time about it until I sat in it. Now I'm gonna build one for myself! I spent a day hunting and wasn't freezing to death from the wind!

[@richardcockrell7540]

You build some great blinds. I have used your videos to build some for other people that can't do builds. I used one video for a guy in a wheelchair with a 2500 pd winch and he loves it. I did his for free just so I could see his face.

[@MoleyRussellsWort-xf7hc]

At 67 years old I will be using a ground blind for the first time in my life this season. Cold and wind is not fun anymore. I'll walk or use the tree stand on nice days. 4x4 works for me. Easier to keep warm. LOL

[@rack9458]

Great video. I tbink s big determining factor is how close do you anticipate deer to be from your stand. If you are overlooking a field if a couple hundred yard's accross then big is ok. If you are higher elevation and deer are walking within 20 yards of you in deep timber you want a smaller stand so you can view out all the windows downward on the deer with minimal movement inside the stand.

[@UncleBucks]

Thanks and definitely, lots of factors to consider for each blind location.

[@dukeman7595]

I had a real nice one some years back and harvested a couple real good bucks. The funny thing about this structure, it was only about 50 feet from the house; it was built as a tree house for the kids and it over looked an hourglass draw approx. 200 yards away. So, when the kids grew up and moved out, I moved in. I ran an extension cord from the house to a heater and life was good. Well the tree blew down one year and now I need to build a proper one. Thanks for your time and effort making this video it's appreciated.

[@UncleBucks]

Sounds like a really great deer hunting location and likely worth the effort of building a new blind there!

[@vanceodonnell9673]

I build 5 x5 minimum and for one person. The inside is blackened so I create a shadow box. Only one window is opened at a time depending on wind direction. My best blind is 5 X 6. I hunt with a crossbow and long guns

[@UncleBucks]

Just big enough, but no more space than you need!

[@yourwaterswoodlandskeithad111]

Hey brother. You don't have to say anything to the haters. They're just jealous. I prefer a saddle but I am building the octagon hunting blind this spring. There are properties that I hunt that a tree stand or saddle just won't work. Thank you!

[@UncleBucks]

Thank you! I definitely prefer hunting from hang-ons or ladder stands, especially with a bow, but when it gets real cold and windy or when there's no need to get so close during rifle season, I'll be in one! Good luck with your octagon blind build!

[@npalatiello]

Do you have a video on how you made the cutout for the heater? Why did you put it in front and not back?

[@UncleBucks]

I don't, but I should! I put it in the front because the door is in the back. I prefer heat in front of me either way though.

[@hoganlogan397]

Built an 8’ x 8’ carpeted, propane heated, and 4 42”x14” windows (2 in the front centered, side moved forward) 1 window in back 30x16 (not really a good shot in the back because of incline and woods) but man it’s nice. Beats the tree stand when it gets cold in northern Michigan.

[@roverporter2434]

How tall and did you use 4x4's?

[@stretch130MFE]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm about to start and 8X12. Now, hear me out; It's actually a fort for my Grand-daughter but will also be a deer castle/Texas Condo for me. All the best for your season.

[@UncleBucks]

@stretchMFE106 You're welcome! Sounds like a winning idea! Might as well be enjoyed more often than just for hunting, and whatever helps sell the idea to the wife 😆

[@thescottishhammer7570]

I've sat in so many treestands for so many years through bitterly cold Kansas archery/rifle seasons that I believe I've earned the right to hunt from a warm box blind lol. I plan on building mine large enough to overnight on a cot as well, so a 6x8 blind is what I'm building. Great video with some good insight.

[@UncleBucks]

Sounds like the right way to go with how you plan to use it. I like the open stands for archery season but once it gets down below freezing, it doesnt take long to have enough of being miserable. Good luck on your build and good hunting.🦌

[@BrianGLee-bc7hj]

Good idea planning on retiring then the wife will be a Deer season widow until the tags are filled

[@kc8rbk73]

Great video explaining everything. What I'm thinking about is a platform with stairs then affix a plastic 6' pentagon shaped plastic blind on top of it. I'm kinda trying to strike a balance between store bought and home brew. I have access to a large amount of "scrap" wood and possibly some telephone poles. I need to be at least 6' off the ground in my situation. So I'm just watching KZbin videos for inspiration before I start the project

[@UncleBucks]

It's a big time saver not having to build the blind, but I really enjoy building them, which is why I never went with a prefab blind, but there's certainly nothing wrong with setting one they way you described! Good luck!!

[@bayview63]

The major thing for me is I built a 4x7 which I thought would be very roomy. But when we switched from gun to crossbows, the blind was too small and the windows were all wrong. My partner actually smashed one of the windows with his crossbow lim. I am now building a 8x8. Conclusion for me is go big. Better too big then too small. Cheers. Good video.

[@larryallan5112]

Absolutely AWESOME! We are building an 8’x8’. We plan to stay sun up to sundown. We both hunt 6 hour stretches now in a open tree stand. We are in northeast Mn. Thanks for your insight and information!

[@UncleBucks]

Thanks! I've done several all-day sits hunting in ne MN too! Some years, it's pretty enjoyable. Most years though, not so much. Might as well be comfortable if you can! Good luck with your build!

[@leocapoccia9073]

I built a 4x4 several years ago along with building a platform to set it on. The platform is 4, 8 foot 4x4 pressure treated post that just sit on the ground. Bring a pointed shovel and a level so the platform can be level and the posts plum. I prefabricated the box in my garage so everything fit before bringing it to my location. Having a UTV is also a huge help getting it all up the hill and into the woods. Helps to have extra 2x4’s to brace it to nearby trees. The biggest issues I’ve had are squirrels/mice, nawing through the plywood and nesting when I’m not hunting out of it. That said I’ve had to use decent metal screen to secure around the bottom edges. It’s a constant battle for ownership of my blind!!! Using 2x4’s in the corners is a waste of material and causes blind spots, firing strips make more sense, after all it’s basically a temporary shelter. Careful when cutting windows. You don’t need views of tree tops and sky, I’ve yet to see a deer fly? My best advice is to build it as simple as possible with the least amount of material I will say it’s a lot easier being comfortable and dry in the New York winter weather we usually hunt in. Good luck and shoot straight!!

[@thehandyoutdoorsman9014]

Great explanation of the different sizes and why you should build them. Have been kicking around different size blinds and decided on a 8x8. Plans are done and completed in Sketchup. Appreciate the videos and inspiration.

[@UncleBucks]

Thanks and good luck with the build!

[@carlgirolami8973]

I am planning to build a 2 person archery blind. Would you recommend the hexagonal, octagonal, or square shape and what size?

[@UncleBucks]

@@carlgirolami8973 I'd suggest a 6x8 or the Hexagon for that type of use.

[@adamschuster6749]

Great videos, I have been freezing my hind end off in a hub style ground blind this gun season here in Wisconsin day dreaming about an enclosed blind so searching the web I found your channel, I am going to try to tackle building a couple next spring/summer. Thanks for the informative channel

[@daveyelverton6287]

6x5 only uses one piece of expensive 3/4" treated plywood and is plenty big for me. Great video, thank you.

[@wemedeeres4105]

I’m actually in the process of building a 6x6 after watching your build videos, it’ll be the same as yours structure wise but I’m doing a few different things to make it better for my hunting situation and the location it will be set up in. Thanks for the videos, they’ve been a great help!

[@UncleBucks]

Every location has its own unique conditions. It's a lot of fun to customize a hunting stand to work in a specific spot. Good luck with your build!

[@jarispe32]

I just started your video and I'm SOLD SIR😂 I LIKE YOUR STYLE. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@UncleBucks]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@joshanderson1901]

Hurt people hurt people! Keep the content coming!

[@brandoneidson1006]

Hell yeah Brett! Love your attitude. This video was awesome.

[@UncleBucks]

Thanks Brandon!

[@Timr45_70]

Love your opening statements !!

[@tlbfarm4473]

I agree with everything you said. The only caveat is that with the way I build my blinds - in my shop, then transport, lift and emplace with my tractor - make sure to not overbuild it such that your tractor can't transport or lift it into place (up on poles). I made that mistake with my first shooting house. 6x8 but built to essentially residential building standards. :( Heavy as heck! I had to borrow my neighbor with his 95 hp tractor to move and lift it into to place. My 2nd, also 6x8, was built to a lighter standard and I could move and lift with my 40 hp tractor easy-peasey.

[@UncleBucks]

Weight is definitely an important consideration, depending on your access (or lack of) to equipment! Thanks for watching and commenting & good luck hunting!

[@fergusb5787]

Do you use 2x2 or 2x4 for framing

[@UncleBucks]

@fergusb5787 2x2 for wall framing, 2x6 for floor joists, and 2 x4 for rafters.

[@edkruzel]

I'm currently building a 8x8 insulated with a small wood burner. It's on a dam wall of our pond so it will second for storing fishing gear.

[@Colichemarde]

Thanks for a great video. This answers many,of my questions as I contemplate my very first deer stand build.

[@UncleBucks]

You're welcome Andrew. Good luck with your build. It's very rewarding!

[@6mallards]

How high do you put windows, say for shooting out of a chair?

[@UncleBucks]

This really depends on how tall you are, how high up above the ground you are, what distance away your game will be, and what type of weapon you are using. If it's a gun or crossbow, and you are elevated 8 feet or more on level terrain, I think that 36" from the floor to the bottom of the window is a good "general" height for people, but in most cases, that's too low to use as a shooting rest. For vertical bows, 12" to 24" from floor to window base. Again, depending on how far up you are and how close the deer might be when you shoot at it. I'd rather have a bigger window opening than what I need v.s. one that is too small. It's much easier to make a window opening smaller sometime later on v.s. making one bigger.

[@setafavn]

Good stuff. Keep them coming!

[@gregjohnston9287]

Enjoyed your video. My comment would be to build stairs with hand rails. I did this several years ago, converted from ladders. Safety concerns and facing the reality of age. So glad I did. Especially when dealing with freezing rain and Ice.

[@UncleBucks]

I sure appreciate the comment and the advice. The main reason I've hesitated to put stairs to any blind is because of ice and snow buildup problems. It can be a hazard with a ladder or stairs but for whatever reason I feel less comfortable with negotiating stairs in that situation.

[@LloydPineo]

thanks for the information

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

6' × 8' with room for a cot .... ..... or space to hang things and dry outer garments !

[@reb1050]

I am one of those that prefers to still hunt or stalk on the ground. However, old age done caught up to me and due to knee and back problems, walking has become more painful than it's worth. I can walk on level ground, but I live in the foothills of the Appalachian Mts. and where I hunt, there is not much level ground. So, that being said, I have resorted to hunting out of a blind. I can't stay still enough to hunt out of a stand. I get bored and often have the desire to stand or move around some. In a blind, I can stand up and stretch my legs a bit and that makes it possible to make a day of it instead of just a few hrs. It also allow one to have heat so you don't have to bundle up like a polar bear as well as protection from rain. I have also found that I see a lot more wildlife from a blind than I ever did out of a stand. I currently use a store bought portable blind, but will be building a permanent blind once the season ends this year. I am looking to build a 6x6. To me, that is the best size. I feel a 4x4 is too small, and the 8x8 is too big for one hunter.

[@UncleBucks]

I hear you Reb! Fortunately, I am still in good health but it's nice to be able to get out hunting when the weather would otherwise make you miserable. I also find it impossible to sit still and not get bored from it. It's just more enjoyable when you have some forgiveness with movement and sound. Good luck with your build. I've gotten to where the off-season preparations are more enjoyable than the actual hunting part. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@shawnstevenson9252]

I'm building a 6x8 but on a 8x8 frame with a 2ft back porch

[@robbobcat7286]

door swings in or door swings out is an issue. make sure you put windows low

[@jeffnyhus5461]

I went with steel. Wood was crazy during Covid-19 stuff. 12x12. 13 foot up in the air photo coming

[@jeffnyhus5461]

Never mind I can’t figure out how to add the photo. It’s not done yet anyway

[@jeffnyhus5461]

Thanks for your video

[@UncleBucks]

It would be great if photos could be added to comments, but there isn't a way yet. Good to hear and good hunting!

[@markc4921]

Heater?? What name heater do you use? Thanks. Enjoyed the video

[@UncleBucks]

I use Mr Heater Buddy. There's condensation to deal with, but they are quiet and they heat very well. Nu-way stoves are a vented propane heater. I don't have one but I've heard good things about them.

[@matthewbennett4496]

I have a question, when you say these dimensions do you mean outside or inside? I have an ameristep ground blind and inside dimensions are 5’x5’ and plenty room for 2 people. I was just curious

[@UncleBucks]

That would be the framed size (on the outside) but before the sheeting is put on.

[@nathonquinton9397]

I was thinking about doing a 4x8 until watching this. To fit 2 people. If I don’t bow hunt do I still need 6 ft deep?

[@UncleBucks]

If you don't bow hunt you still will likely fnd that 4 feet deep is still going to be a little tight if you have two office chairs, a heater, your guns and a backpack or two with food and gear. A 4x8 is simple to build and fits small people well but for people with a wide torso or long legs, you run out of room.

[@nathonquinton9397]

@@UncleBucks thanks. I ended up building an 8x6 and couldn’t be happier with it

[@nploojntoos3139]

I love watching people deer stand and I do build some already, Yes 4x4 are too small.

[@thehowtofamily172]

Thankyou

[@JLSteelCrafts]

Lmao I luff the intro! Good eye.

[@UncleBucks]

Thanks!

[@randyjohnson8262]

We hunted all pines on leased paper company back in TN. No hardwoods except for a couple of patches. Building shooting houses and food plots were the only way to hunt this kind of property. If we didn't use this method, we wouldn't have taken any deer.

[@kenadams3951]

I have a 8x8 good heater and two people

[@patrickdingman6934]

Now that I'm older I built one. Can't deal with the wet and cold no more Been hunting in the elements since I was twelve . 63 now. Got nothing to prove

[@UncleBucks]

Nothing wrong with being comfortable out there. Being warm and dry makes for an enjoyable hunt. Being cold and wet doesn't.

[@jenswilliamson2733]

Jens Williamson, III (Deaf) In my opinion, 4 by 4 Hunting Blind = One Hunter 6 by 6 Hunting Blind = One or Two Hunter(s). Be smart! Your choice? 8 by 8 Hunting Blind = Be nice! + Comfortable. No questions asked! It is up to your decision! I own 5' Blynd Tower (4' by 6'2"). I love it. They still sell the Hunting Blynd Blinds in San Antonio, Texas. You will know. Thanks for your time. Have a good year in 2022! Respectfully, Jens Williamson, III 😎😷👍🇺🇲 Bexar County 🇨🇱 Retired ID Hearing Impaired The Disability *Good Idea to put the rubber rug or regular old rug in hunting blind(s). Your own ideas! 💡. You can! I chose the rubber rug. I like it.... It is up to you....

[@UncleBucks]

Hey Jens, yep I agree! Thanks for watching and commenting. Hopefully the closed captioning can figure out what I am rambling about! The "Blynd" looks to have some nice window options. Good luck & shoot straight!

[@kendurden7496]

Very informative video. Also, I love your attitude… Hey, if you don’t like this type of hunting or you don’t like this concept, go find another channel to watch. Love it! You have freedom of choice and options… leave

[@woodspirit98]

If you don't like this kind of hunting in new york, better go someplace warmer and do watcha do.lol

[@anthonylawlor9130]

I quit...... Nice blind and video .

[@harlanwilks4014]

They say it’s not real hunting but then they use bluegill for fishing catfish

[@UncleBucks]

I'm confused. Does that mean they are being hypocritical? Is it illegal to fish for catfish using bluegill?

[@harlanwilks4014]

@@UncleBucks yeah it’s hypocritical. They don’t believe in sitting in a blind and baiting deer but then they use live bait when they fish.

[@michaelclemens4825]

Fallen Horn

[@annapennrose1158]

I need six feet so I can lay down and take a nap...

[@outdoorbobo]

Love the video and the disclaimer is ok but way too long. Don’t be sorry because the folks that whine can never be pleased. I’m a public land saddle hunter but warm box blind is nice every now and then. It’s not as up close and personal as hunting from a tree but it’s nice if a person has property. Lastly, I don’t use the word “harvest”. Deer aren’t carrots. Good luck hunting.

[@UncleBucks]

Looking back, I did give a little too much time scolding the haters.

[@outdoorbobo]

@@UncleBucks keep rolling! You’re doing great!

[@ethanchaperlo9876]

Lol try not to focus on the negatives too much buddy, I’m sure people will just take the good advice and move forward. Anyone who has crap to say isn’t worth mentioning.

[@UncleBucks]

Thanks & I agree. They don't deserve any recognition, but I did feel a little better after my rant in this video 💣😆

[@richardcockrell7540]

You build some great blinds. I have used your videos to build some for other people that can't do builds. I used one video for a guy in a wheelchair with a 2500 pd winch and he loves it. I did his for free just so I could see his face.

[@UncleBucks]

Awesome! Thanks for the compliment and for commenting. I hope the fella gets a good one out of it!