simple deer stand/ hunting blind build

I build a simple 6x5 elevated hunting blind. Some video of the blind construction. There will be a part 2 for building stairs and some interior additions. I include my rough plan drawings in video.
***I forgot to include the 8, 2x4x12 cross braces in the material list***

[@rickyrunner7619]

nice looks good time to get that wall hanger happy hunting

[@LarryGenePate]

What a great,well thought out blind!! You did a beautiful job on this. Add your insulation and I carpeted all inside my blind and the warmth is great with a Mr Heater. Carpet also makes it quiter!

[@ptykiller]

Dude! This stand is better than most stands I have ever been in!

[@michaelwatson3127]

Thank you for taking the time to videotape and share this build! Nice job on the blind… it’s given me a few ideas for my first build (as have several of the comments). Btw… fellow Michigander here. Go Lions! Go Packers!

[@ES-iz4wf]

Nice job building your blind. It’s really about the memories, so I hope you and your daughter can share those together for years to come, good luck this deer season, shoot straight and stay safe.

[@luckyandy76]

Thanks, good luck to you also.

[@linkerp]

Put you some thin carpet and a office chair! Much quieter to walk and easy quiet to spin around!! Awesome build!

[@timbow50]

You will discover the corners where the brackets mount will need to be very well reinforced as the 2x6 will twist in a short time. Use at least 5/16 diameter bolts to attach brackets as any LAG type screw will work loose. Also, if you’re setting this on the ground to use put it on like building blocks to keep the frame from moisture rot. Any cracks or openings on the assembly need to sealed with caulking/ silicone to repel moisture and insects. In the summer when there are weeks of no use I put moth balls inside to help repel anything that might be able to get inside like at windows or the door seal.

[@jomama7458]

Great job. In the process of a 5x5 on 12 foot 4x4s. Doing this alone so, Will be assemble walls and roof after standing base on stilts. With 4 wheeler and tow straps. Should make a video. LOL

[@kevinwegner7230]

"Not buildin a beer cooler, it doesn't have to be perfect"! Best quote of the video at about 16:45.

[@PullStartStables]

Absolutely the best part!

[@Swanny713]

Great Job!! Thanks for the video!

[@larryselfridge6733]

Love it . I’d get some insulation and a buddy heater too

[@stevenduplantis9436]

Idea.. rake roof toward the front. Won’t get wet getting in!

[@robertmorris2107]

That thing is super nice!!! U did one hell of a job..

[@luckyandy76]

Thanks 👍

[@udavidism]

No need to worry about the way you braced the door at 16:12. You made the door out of a piece of plywood, that takes care of any sag worries you could have, plywood won't sag. Great deer stand. Maybe carpet the floor to make it quiet and I hope a strong storm won't blow it down.

[@markholmes1346]

I just came across this video and I just have to say great job on the blind and your explanation of how you build it was awesome! Great video! 👏

[@texasstararsenal1840]

Great job bubba. Thanks for sharing. Am going to save your plans so we can build our own stand one day.

[@kalikasurf]

That’s a beautiful piece of property!!!

[@marvinpurdy]

The tree strap will cause the stand to move with the sway of the tree even in a slight breeze. Will cause noise that could spook the deer and if very windy it will become a carnival ride, I speak from personal experience!

[@dannypresley2422]

Love this video! Your ideas are very practical, and the stand is very well-built. Great work! Building deer stands like this is one of my favorite things to do. This stand will bring you many years of enjoyable hunting. I wish you luck this season!

[@luckyandy76]

Thanks, I wish you luck to. I enjoyed building it, of course like anything there are things I would change. If lumber prices go down next year I will build a new version for another spot!

[@TrehanCreekOutdoors]

"dog is mad because he can't climb the ladder." LOL. Get a cat. When she was much younger, my cat loved to go deer hunting with me. She loved seeing the deer come out and always wanted to be in the stand with me. YES, cat's can be taught to hunt! The bonus is they are always totally quiet in the woods, unlike a dog. I never helped her climb up or down from the stand. She was fully able to climb any tree on my place so she would just scramble up to the little platform area I built where my ladder connected. I did have to open the door for her however. On my open bow hunting stands, she would walk around or sit on the small ledge. Heights mean nothing to a cat. What was the VERY BEST THING about deer hunting with my cat was that she could literally hear deer approaching through the woods at a distance of about 50 yards or further. She would be alert and peering out to spot the deer long before I even knew they were any deer coming. Deer meat, BTW, is her favorite food. She's too old to go with me today but you can see videos with her in my stands on my site. I even have some photos with my cat out in the food plots hunting mice when deer showed up. Deer are NOT afraid of house cats. They just stare at each other until the deer chooses to stomp at the cat and run her off. Deer won't even show up if there is a dog around. The stand you built is nice. Great video. Thanks for posting it. Hope you kill tons of deer out of it.

[@mattchilders3123]

You can anchor the blind with a boat anchor dug directly below the stand centered. If you bury it deep and pack the dirt in you won't need that one to the tree :-) Great job on the blind.

[@luckyandy76]

Thats a great idea. Thanks

[@albertaboy74]

just found your channel, love the video. thanks for the laugh and ideas. A big hello from Alberta,Canada.

[@hunterrock3272]

Good job, nice looking stand. I'd ditch the strap to the tree, heavy wind could do more damage than its worth.

[@FrankZinck]

Nice Job on the blind, you have given a lot of ideas. Thanks

[@lumpy1603]

The little spy windows are a great idea

[@luckyandy76]

Thanks

[@makofshrmn]

@@luckyandy76 I was looking at the windows and it looks like you didn’t pull off the protective plastic on one side of the smaller ones. Maybe removing it would make it so you can see through them.

[@maryfrederickson9400]

I enjoyed your build. Thank you and good luck on you hunt!

[@brianhof7599]

I think this is a nice build. Obviously there are ten different ways to do things, and nine of them are fine. One thing I like to see when framing a floor, is to use galvanized deck support straps/hangers so the “load” is not only being carried by the three deck screws. Bolts with nuts and washers (as mentioned before) instead of lag screws should be used on the elevator brackets. Insulation for warmth, and noise reduction. And adding deadfall around the base to camoflage the base etc., adding carpet. I am sure the owner likely already has done these things.

[@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors]

great looking deer blind, great job.

[@luckyandy76]

Thanks 👍

[@paulhuval]

I am with everyone else that said disconnect the strap from the tree. If you want the strap put an eye bolt to the center of the stand and put in a screw in ground stake and attach the strap that way. Nice looking blind there. 👍

[@kalikasurf]

Paul Huval na, that low on the tree, if you get more than a couple inches sway even in heavy wind.......you’d lose the stand even if you had it cemented into the ground

[@crazyeyes1533]

nice build!

[@robertrockwell7581]

nice build. now put insulation in and get one of those propane buddy heaters and you will stay warm on those crisp mornings. have a safe hunting season.

[@terryholmes5820]

I built one very similar to yours about 11 years ago. It's held up very well. I'm always making little improvements to it. Mine is 7' off the ground which is plenty for my situation. I concreted the legs 2' into the ground. I have a simple 2x4 ladder going up to a trap door in the floor to get into mine. I like the garage door seals for the windows. I'll probably add those to mine next summer. Thanks for the idea and good luck.

[@americanson2174]

Great craftsmanship!!

[@luckyandy76]

Thanks, I really appreciate the compliment.

[@hartleyhomesteadmichigan6041]

Nice looking stand!

[@luckyandy76]

Thanks

[@lcook0825]

Only comment I would make is trim that tree so the limbs don’t lay a on the shingles.

[@makofshrmn]

Awesome stand. Good luck hunting. You should cut back any branches that are rubbing on the shingles. I saw one, but hopefully that’s the only one.

[@alvinnaquin877]

Nice job it's good your strap is low to the tree less movement which is great

[@DAVESLAM]

Good job man.... Nice ROOOOF. 😀😋😉😎👍

[@vanceodonnell9673]

Paint the inside black and wear black when you hunt, sit back from the windows and you have a shadow box effect...they can not see you and movement is no longer an issue..I do this for my ground blinds and have stayed hidden at less than 10 yards.

[@davidwense617]

Add carpet on floor keeps it very quiet and warm on feet

[@firemedic10353]

Insulate it and make some minor personal improvements and you're home boss, Nice Blind! P S. Drink holders a must!

[@Twindadx2_]

Sweet Build!

[@luckyandy76]

Thanks

[@gmoutdoorsandmore7731]

Nice video! Good stand!

[@luckyandy76]

Thanks!

[@stonefly7158]

I’d take carpet and turn it upside down to lay in bottom to soften sound and maybe on walls also to keep hollow sound down!

[@buddybopper561]

Helpful hint , spray paint underneath of roof edge & bottom of stand blue to stop bee's and hornets from building nests ! They think it's the sky they won't build.

[@luckyandy76]

I had never heard that. I will try that out. Thanks

[@keithd8643]

GREAT JOB, VERY THOROUGH (THUMBS UP)

[@evankaczinski2587]

I just got done with my blind that I made mostly out of pallets

[@RonKris]

Good job!

[@luckyandy76]

Thanks, i appreciate the compliment. Building it was definitely a learning experience. Already looking forward to making another one!

[@CrowCreekOutdoors]

Good thinking with the garage door weather seal trim. What size are the smaller openings in the corners? And I was thinking before you mentioned your daughter wants a fold down shooting rest that if you hinged the windows at the bottom & put a couple hinged legs on them, they’d fold down into a decent shooting table.

[@jomama7458]

I see you are in Michigan. Same here, North of Sandusky.

[@luckyandy76]

I am by Bruce Crossing over in the UP.

[@jomama7458]

@@luckyandy76 You are up there. Been a long time since i have been in that way. 👍

[@brianshannon8975]

Nevermind, guess I should watch till the end.

[@mikefernandez1793]

Nice Box blind !

[@luckyandy76]

Thanks

[@meMiner]

Nice build. I want to make one for my daughter. Just waiting for building material prices to decrease a little bit.

[@jackbuys3711]

I built one very similar. I took the walls and roof off and transported it to the property. When I got there we put the floor upside down, put the 4x4s in, braced it and flipped it over by hand with 2 guys. Then we pushed and pulled the walls up and screwed them in place and lastly the roof. I shingled it when it was all together.

[@com53]

Use Rain-X on the inside and the outside of the windows to prevent the condensation

[@7outdoors4life]

GOOD JOB IT DOES GET THE JOB DONE!!!!!

[@Pooch1953]

Nice stand, well built. I don't see the door being a problem where sagging is concerned, but if it were and issue, just take the door off, and flip it top to bottom and the braces would be on the hinge side, as long as your door is square that would work.

[@jf02367]

Ditto.. Nice job.

[@victoroneill7924]

Raising tower blinds is probably the most dangerous things that get done on a deer lease. It's best to get the box elevated as much as possible before you try to pull it up. Also figure out a way to keep the legs from sliding while you're pulling it up. The best way I found was to dig a ditch for the legs to lay in and then drive a 2" x 4" (or bigger) stake of some kind in the end of each ditch to stop the legs from sliding. You need to attach the pull rope/ropes as high as possible on the tower legs and have another BIG rope attached to the other side of the tower with at least 2 big guys holding on to it. You need to pull it up real slow and steady with the 2 guys on the rope keeping it tight or you'll pull it all the way over. A full sized 4 wheel drive truck is a big help and learn how to tie a bowline knot if you don't already know.

[@luckyandy76]

I definitely agree on the dangers of raising a blind. I made some bad decisions due to over confidence and no experience. Definitely learned alot and the next one should go easier. Thanks for the tips. They will come in handy as i plan to build at least 2 more over the next couple years.

[@leocapoccia9073]

I build the platform and box separately. His is set up for 2 people, I don’t do that. I go with a 4 x 4 box, pre-fab in the garage. 3 sides, door in 4th side. Use 2x 4’s ripped length wise, one in each corner, offset for the thickness of the plywood for a tight corner. Build the roof, pre fab at home so it fits. Once it’s completed, take apart, haul to your site and set up the platform. Usually I’ll make a 4x 6 platform so there’s a small porch at the door for easy in and out. Then you can attach the box on top. 3 sides then it’s easier to get the roof on. Helps to have a helper, a charged screw gun and a basic idea before your up the creek without the paddle!

[@keithrogers5832]

I used an old ladder stand and attached it to my blind and didn't need to build stairs

[@ssbnman1630]

I would have liked to see you putting it up in the air.

[@mikemccrary9346]

I put up 2 stands and put t- stakes in the ground by each leg and screwed them to the legs and it holds the stand very well but the problem I have is when the ground freezes the frozen ground pushed the stand up a little bit each year and both stands are not on the ground and then it will make the stand very wobbly and move very easy

[@heathalford4721]

Nice stand. What’s your thoughts on the elevator brackets? I’ve bought a set to try. We normally attach our stand to the legs with them angled

[@jimmyowen3977]

It's a good looking stand but how do you like going up the ladder when it's raining and you have ice water running down your back. I made that mistake myself and changed it before I did it a second time. Thanks

[@luckyandy76]

Next year when I build another one I will definitely be making a few changes!

[@earlhunt8271]

I ran into the same situation with my tractor and shooting house. I was 2 feet short on height - so I built a ramp for the tractor so the lift would go to the height I wanted. Problem solved.

[@pdbuilder8212]

I stacked pallets on my loader forks to get the height I needed to lift mine

[@victoroneill7924]

When you use plywood on the outside of a deer blind you should always trim the corners with one by fours to seal the corners. Paint alone won't get the job done.

[@jonpaq1962]

I would have liked to see how you got it lifted up there. Great looking stand though

[@luckyandy76]

Thanks. Lifting it up I made a string of stupid mistakes. But basically used a tractor and truck and rope. But now i know what not to do! So when summer comes and i build and put up a second stand, i should be able video it and hopefully it goes smoothly!

[@bear9923]

SUGGESTION. ON INSIDE, I ONLY PAINT FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDOWS UP IF STANDS ARE ELEVATED. DEER CAN'T SEE LOWER INSIDE OF SHAKE CAUSE IT'S IN THE AIR. ONLY REASON IS AT THE COST OF A GALLON OF PAINT...YOU'LL SAVE SOME $$$ IF YOU ARE BUILDING MORE THAN 1 BLIND. JUST SAYIN' .

[@cgame-bg6kz]

Thing's perfect to me. How's it holding up today? Update? Any mods or things you'd do different?

[@bertmusic9582]

Looks fantastic, beautiful views. Have you had 2 adults in it yet? Any movement? Hope its Holding up well, looks like it should 👍 Good luck!

[@luckyandy76]

Thanks. So far it seems just about right for 2 people in comfortable chairs. Good Luck

[@ejsocci2630]

Awesome awesome, thanks for sharing 🐾🐾🏹🦮

[@roydupree7714]

Nice stand but it’s an overkill making it with 2x4. To anchor a stand like that I would cut a 55 gl drum put a screw anchor in it and fill with concrete. Next time you go to set up a stand put base on side rails of trailer. Put bottom legs in then top legs then put leg supports on spreading legs. Then slide stand till bottom legs are on ground. Tie rope around highest part of stand and pull up with vehicle while someone is on trailer pushing up very easy to do.

[@luckyandy76]

Thanks for the ideas, i will have to try that setting the next one up.

[@PullStartStables]

After two-ish seasons, how’s things holding up? I’m considering the option of building a blind, or using an old truck cab!

[@luckyandy76]

Its holding up great so far. Old truck cabs are great for lots of things. I used one for a ice fishing shanty roof and it worked great.

[@johnharrison8807]

Great job. What was your estimated cost of the build?

[@luckyandy76]

With the cost of lumber right now I would be scared to add it up. And if I put the cost with todays prices and my wife sees it, I'll never be able to sneak next years stand into the budget!

[@HallnoutMhall]

If you don't want to deal with painting and the smell on the inside, get a roll of tar paper and staple it up. That's how I did mine. Total blackout. Nice job. Thanks for sharing. By the way where about are you in Michigan?

[@luckyandy76]

Over by Bruce Crossing area. Thanks

[@HallnoutMhall]

@@luckyandy76 i checked and your way up there. Glad for you! Rat race getting old.

[@victoroneill7924]

Nice blind but I would never attach a blind to a tree that can move when the wind blows. It will pull your T-post corner stakes loose in time. We have always put a heavy guy wire with a turnbuckle on each corner of our tower blinds. T-post stakes work ok for the guy wires if you drive them in deep at an angle away from the blind and attach the guy wire right at the bottom of the T-Post.

[@georgevratiu3999]

. .

[@jW-kt8bz]

Did you put insulation in it

[@YourLocalRealtor50]

what hinges did you use for the windows?

[@OutdoorOdyssey]

this video was really helpful. im currently building a blind actually very similar setup. Im on the windows. how are they holding up? have you been back to make an update? i like the Garage trim idea i will have to steal that one from you!

[@luckyandy76]

Time will tell on the windows, i just finished building it so it hasnt had time to get a real durability test. So far so good, no leaks. We just had a nasty windy storm, and i went out right after to check!

[@OutdoorOdyssey]

@@luckyandy76thats awesome! im going to be making a little video of my build as well. pretty similar to yours with the pitch in the roof and all. fun little project while im laid off work. still unsure what im going to do with the windows. i would make my own frames but i dont have a table saw to make my groove cuts.

[@charlieh7869]

I build a lot of shoot houses and there is a company called deer view that makes windows that aren’t near as big and open and close quietly and they are very affordable just a little tid bit incase you may be interested plus u can keep them closed when it’s cold instead of open and worried about noise

[@OutdoorOdyssey]

@@charlieh7869 yea i talked with them but their turn around time was minimum 8 weeks for a custom size

[@OutdoorOdyssey]

@@charlieh7869 i ended up making window frames and sliding acrylic in the grooves

[@wdsracer]

How did you get it up in the air? Did you already have the platform on the posts and then put the box together 10ft off the ground?

[@luckyandy76]

We put the box together on the ground and tried to tip it up with a truck and tractor. It went up, but the way i did it but we made alot of mistakes and things got sketchy and i pretty much forgot about taping until it was stabil on 4 legs. This coming summer i will be putting another one up with a new revised method thanks to the learning experience of my mistakes and the great suggestions in the comments. So thinking next one will go up easy.

[@mattchilders3123]

Throw you some Eagle Seed soybeans in there. They will stay green longer than production beans and they will still be green late into November for ya. Will draw deer from miles around you.

[@17buckrogers]

10 feet up plus the Hight of the floor

[@jward9637]

Great job, but why didn't you run an inch over on the roof so you don't get rain running down the sides? Very good build though.

[@luckyandy76]

Thanks, it was a learning experience for me. Next one will have bigger overhangs!

[@michaellewis6446]

Would like to see your measurements. That would help tremendously

[@jamesbaker5817]

Put outdoor carpet on floor keeps noise down

[@chesterrebstock1638]

Wow

[@craighanson2983]

In Michigan it's always raining, I wonder if you would get rain inside the blind with the windows open. Kinda hard to get a shot of a lifetime with the window closed. Why not over hang the roof some and keep it out? I can hunt any weather and never get wet.

[@luckyandy76]

Its the first stand i have built and i agree, my next one will have more overhang. I hope you have a great season.

[@rodhawkins5037]

build an awning over the windows👍

[@xpert1111]

Lose the strap to the tree. The tree moves with wind and since the stand is secured at all 4 corners it will pull the stand apart

[@robertmorris2087]

What size is the box blind

[@billc3405]

How strong are those magnets you shoot a rifle out of that the window may drop

[@luckyandy76]

I fired some practice rounds out. But i honestly never thought of that. That would definitely leave a mark!

[@billc3405]

@@luckyandy76 if it stays open good I just wanted to share my thoughts nice job.

[@kylediehl5796]

Would staining it put out a scent

[@luckyandy76]

It had a odor at first, but i dont notice it anymore, and i have kicked up deer that have bedded under it so it must not bother them that much either!

[@harrycojones4273]

Where can I buy those angled brackets?

[@luckyandy76]

I bought them off of amazon, but i have seen them at Fleet Farm.

[@BabyBBB01]

Is that hunting blind for gun or for crossbow ?

[@luckyandy76]

Usually it will be for crossbow.

[@BabyBBB01]

@@luckyandy76 Thanks for your reply back to me

[@ceronv]

How did you raise it....

[@luckyandy76]

I used tractor, and pull rope attached to a truck.

[@markconner5446]

LOL you could have just flip the door upside down. Then you would have had them running the right way. If the door was square.

[@matthewmiller8591]

Could have flipped thr door upside down and the hinges would have been in the right spot

[@otismansfield4968]

Don't know you but if you live in Statesboro ga you would definitely get plenty of work.

[@matthewmiller8591]

Dont sound like hes anywhere near Georgia lol. More like Minnesota

[@justadbeer]

@@matthewmiller8591 I'm betting that's a New Hampshire accent

[@michaelwied4034]

unrelated but... I heard you speak and you are either a Wisconsinite, Minnesotan, or a Michigander

[@mopesrus7266]

I'm from Wisconsin I'll be your translator. Nice box blind tho 'eh?!?!

[@wildernessman2022]

Question ? Why do you build the room first. And then take it out there . Then raise it up with a bobcat or whatever . And then build the frame underneath it. It would make more sense to go out there with the material. Build the frame . Then build the deck then build the walls and the roof . You're doing this backwards. This makes no sense you're doing it the hard way. Why not do it the easy way

[@luckyandy76]

I had alot of learning experiences with building the stand. The reason I pre built it at home is I did not want to haul all my tools up to the site as I currently live a little over 3 hours away. Hopefully I can build my garage up there next year so I can build stuff on site.

[@BrianOgilvie79]

Those latches are noisy