The 7’ High Deer Castle, Finished! #19

[@evr4921]

Cool structure!! I’ve used aluminum flashing wrapped around wood to help the mice slip off with great success.

[@Flowergurl2000]

This.💯

[@peteraltman6374]

Wrapping the poles with light sheet metal will keep them from crawling upin the blind, really enjoy your videos can't wait to look at some more thank you very much

[@salimuddin-tg2uk]

This was easy to set up and I'm perfectly happy with how big it is. kzbin.infoUgkxLQGtOO9dXIsNktEeycGoIT6jtJJNTScA The main front 2 windows are a nice addition with the quiet drop down or up hooks. The center is a zipper, and the outsides are Velcro, but in the center I can drop it to where I want it quietly. The side windows are Velcro, but I guess I get to see out and nothing can see in. To everyone complaining about the door, it's perfect. It's a quiet entry door. One snap buckle and 4 snap on pole ends. Plenty of room for my 12 Guage to maneuver around. I'm quite happy with it.

[@rhondaskipper9084]

Try mothballs, that keeps squirrels away from my car and chewing up the wires so maybe it will work with the mice ???

[@trevorkolmatycki4042]

I think it’s futile to try to prevent mice and squirrels from climbing up. Definitely seal up all small holes, door shut tight,leave no food… and set a couple of mouse traps… good enough.

[@jasonreed4833]

That has a beautiful aesthetic. I love the way you just kept the tree trunks as they were to make the stilts for the cabin. Are you at all worried about them rotting though? Root systems rot much faster than anything above ground, so those trunks might need reinforcing within a few years.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Yeah, I actually have no idea how long the roots will last. There are still some stumps around the area from when the place was logged about 100 years ago. They are by no means sound foundation for anything but I wouldn't be surprised if these made it a decade anyway.

[@55bayou]

cover the posts with sheet metal rhe slip if they try to climb

[@awayfrommitall1907]

Dude. Liked and Subscribed! You mind sharing your chainsaw type/blade (I know its a Stihl) and maybe your sawmill type? Looks like they are a great combo! Sorry if already asked sir!

[@FritchFritch]

Grandberg mill. There’s a video about it earlier on this channel.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Thanks! The saw I mill with is a stihl 261. And I use milling chains.

[@bryantlester4194]

Use moth balls for the mice and squirrels

[@benjaminbratcher9338]

Are Those nicks boots?

[@Stephen-J-in-IA]

Flashing tin is what the power companies use to keep squirrels from getting to the top of their poles .

[@survivingringworm2202]

Then that’s the thing to do! Trying to figure the cheapest way to do it. Someone suggested dryer vent pipe?

[@Stephen-J-in-IA]

@@survivingringworm2202 That would probably slow them down too! LOL

[@fatherofpie5763]

this ! ^^^^

[@cleoharper1842]

@@survivingringworm2202 Agree with this - also, mint oil. Not the kind that goes in food, the 100% hippy essential oil type mint. Couple drops on a cotton ball, cotton balls thrown in corners/openings, no rodents of any kind. At least in FLA -- honestly I can't remember how tough MI rodents are. Palm rats are pretty tough, can chew through anything - but they won't go anywhere near mint oil. However I don't know how the bears feel about it.

[@karlabowen9207]

Well I dont think I have any tin on this pole I watch the squirrel sit on the top then he starts climbing the wires to my house.

[@rickerb7196]

Great looking window overhangs. Think you will need two side supports for snow loads.

[@brucefruechte3270]

I'm only two vids in, but I'm loving your content. I see 500K in your future.

[@survivingringworm2202]

What would I do with all that notoriety???

[@fisherus]

@@survivingringworm2202 Have a big bank account from your checks from KZbin!

[@survivingringworm2202]

Ha! I started making these videos for my friends and family because they are always wondering what whacky thing I am up to this time. Then I though, maybe some day in a couple years it could pay for chainsaw gas and bar oil. Probably not but that would be cool!

[@Donninator1]

@@survivingringworm2202 continue providing that content crack :) we need the fix! what location?

[@survivingringworm2202]

@@Donninator1 Michigan’s beautiful, if quiet, Upper Peninsula.

[@Cruzinsusan5101]

Loved this vid - I'm binge watching to get caught up. So much truth in what you said - "it's funny.....out here you can hardly tell the difference".....I went to the woods this winter and camped. Nature has a way of making things feel so right, when everyone else try's to talk you into thinking everything is wrong......maybe it is, maybe it's ALL messed up but when you're 'out there', the birds still sing the same, the snow still falls, the sun still shines, the coyotes still howl and it feels good again. Peace bro.

[@elainehinton2860]

Subscribed at, “it’s funny out here you can hardly tell the difference.” 😆

[@CynicalDad81]

#metoo

[@kaiakenaveia]

Uhhkknkj

[@kaiakenaveia]

Uuukn

[@tennwalt]

You remind me of myself 35 years ago...thank you for that. "If you understand what you're doing, you're not learning anything"...PRICELESS!!!

[@survivingringworm2202]

It’s amazing how little some of us actually understand. And how much fun we have because of it.

[@wylanweems3297]

@@survivingringworm2202 @

[@thomashocker2792]

Wrong again. Some learn more along the way.

[@RanchKings]

Hi nice

[@slimcarter2603]

Cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil works pretty good for mouse repellent. Super cool the way the blind turned out. The snap in windows are one of my favorite parts.

[@rhondaclark716]

Yea , that’s great idea !

[@AmericanPatriot-cw9xe]

the peppermint oil also keeps out the spiders, I buy it every year in those little concentrated bottles n put it around my doors a couple times in the fall n no more spiders or spider bits n trips to the emergency from brown recluse or any other nasty spiders

[@simpleagain1]

Brown recluse spiders get a bad rap. They’re just lonely and want some company to share with

[@mikeanderson8939]

You asked on the last video (I'm a year late haha) what your audience wants... keep doing your thing bruh. The projects,. a particular day... it's all good.

[@philipmorehouse1069]

To keep the squirrels or anything from climbing the poles, use an aluminum "valley" wrapped around the poles and nailed to it. Usually, three to four feet distance would be sufficient. Old stove pipe would also work. Love this channel, keep the building happening - your ingenuity is amazing.

[@cecilhorton4413]

Tried that even put grease on the stove pipe the squirrel s went up the pole to the bird feeder.

[@markbowman3475]

Try an owl decoy

[@btgmlk1]

Absolutely amazing! The most perfect things in life are not always the most perfect things themselves. This would be something I'd love to build if I had the land like yours.

[@michiganmoto7687]

Those awnings need support legs or the snow load will rip them off. Place looks great though! Very cozy and inviting. I like the propane shelf. I would totally live there. It has everything a person needs. 👍🏻

[@hondacamoutdoors7104]

I’ve had success wrapping the base of the structures with tin so the rodents can’t get up, and then also keeping the porcupines from chewing on the corners.

[@Sam-gx9jq]

Same here

[@chuckkillawood8229]

Yep roof flashing, cut to a cone, then paint to match tree, works on our pecen trees really well.

[@hurdman7899]

Buy a roll of 6" flashing and wrap one chunk around each poll.

[@joshpetruska9739]

Great idea👌

[@f5tornadeau]

“Can I help you?” “Yes. I’d I’d like to purchase one of your giant, battery powered chainsaw erasers.” “Ummm...I don’t think we carry those.”

[@survivingringworm2202]

Haha. You got an actual LOL for that comment.

[@dwayneb72]

@@survivingringworm2202 cover the leg with cheap sheet metal or galvanized steel whatever you can get that is cheap thin and has no grip points they can't climb metal siding

[@davids7476]

I can't believe I woke up this morning, stumbled across one of your videos and ended up binge watching every video and it is now dark outside. Great videos. Dude please let this channel season and don't stop making videos. Stick it out wait on the subscribers. As far as squirrels go you can put discs/inverted sheet metal or plastic cones (like dog no scratch collar) around all the supports, face open end of the cone down but don't know what you would do for the rungs on the ladder.

[@survivingringworm2202]

You are one sick puppy! If you weren’t before binging I bet you are now. Haha. Going to try to continue through the winter but as of today none of my batteries that charge my camera batteries will work. Too cold! Hopefully I can figure something out...

[@michiganmoto7687]

@@survivingringworm2202 I have foldable solar charger that fits in my backpack about the size of a medium book. Has three solar panels when open. They aren’t too expensive and do not require permanent installation.

[@Tom-uy3lt]

That is some damn good work. Lots of great ideas. The window thing with buttons are awesome.

[@Tom-uy3lt]

I don't care what anybody says. That is a kick-ass deer cabin or whatever you call it. You got some skills bro!

[@survivingringworm2202]

Thanks! I don't even know what it is much less what to call it. Deer Castle is all that came to mind.

[@lemmorgan8344]

Pepper mint oil

[@gfodale]

Doubt you'll come back to this, but for squirrel and mouse control, moth balls work well. You can always store them in a heavy ziplock bag when time to hunt comes about.

[@SSBailey77845]

I’ve watched this one twice now...I love your “no purpose except pleasing myself” approach. Nice job.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Thanks Steve! Why would we do things any other way? Well, I guess there is safety and junk like that...

[@nickpotter1897]

Just come across your channel and loving them, going back and watching all of them. Great work

[@nickdisilvioii1475]

I know this is going to sound crazy but use Irish Spring Soap. Mice and Squirrels hate the smell of it.

[@guyskinner5498]

Shed it up or what?

[@nickdisilvioii1475]

Just cut up a bar of it and place it in the openings where they are getting in.

[@marshayoung9387]

Stuff every opening no matter how small with a heavy grade steel wool. Top off with tin. Mice & squirrel won't chew on it because it tears up their gums.

[@JAFONews]

carpet tack strips (cut a couple pieces that go around 3 or 4 high).

[@davidhimeback9087]

I would say that stilt cabin looks great. Like a home away from home. I would say for no plans other then something in your head, an winging it as you go. Looks good !!! An should be there for a good amount of time. Idon't know about mice of squirrels but Ihave shed I made an those rear pinscher bugs an ants. I sprayed the inside with diesel an no more bugs or mice. I wouldn't spray the inside but maybe the posts an bottom of the latter may stop them. It's a oil base an stinks May keep you away too... lol

[@survivingringworm2202]

It's amazing what a fine mist of diesel will do! I wrapped the legs with plastic from 2 liter bottles and coated with used motor oil. Haven't had any critters come in yet and there are about a million flies stuck to the plastic!

[@larrymeyers6913]

I'd stay in there instead of the tent for the winter. Building turned out great and nice work with the chainsaw.

[@richardalmeyda8199]

OMG...Did I enjoyed this video. Only negative was when you noticed and mentioned having a new president in place...If you can seriously call Biden that! What a fucking joke. Anyway loved the video especially that .22 God bless.

[@shmonsterman1356]

Old metal coffee or juice cans or any metal around your post will stop the critters from climbing up . For the chewy ones I bought a gallon of Tabasco sauce from the bulk warehouse and painted everywhere they had chewed or may potentially chew and it put a hilarious stop to chewing and visiting of my furry little friends . Good video thanks for sharing.

[@kderby2204]

I just stumbled on this channel and I love what you do. Great workmanship.

[@pistolpeds]

Love it. Perfect. Fits like a glove.

[@breezyjr]

I"m in Michigan, what general area are you in? the UP? Or maybe just northern Michigan... I can't imagine you're anywhere near Novi... lol

[@valezhnik472]

Nice work man! best wishes from russian guys)

[@heyeverybody5616]

I think this guys up to something. Not sure what. But don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on him... Update- I saw him in the woods. Those woods are crazy!

[@brittongodman7769]

Love your channel, new subscriber here. I've used roof repair 'tar' in a tube before to seal cracks on a new garden shed, worked fine. Some people are really good doing a 'design as you build' project, you seem to be one of those people.........

[@ronethridge9875]

corn bread mix an baking soda/put in plastic containers-throw away plastic bottles-cut a hole for mice-rats to enter/it keeps moister out an keep it dry/a farmer uses that method /anyway a great job/thanks much

[@charlesbishop7389]

Really enjoying your videos. Thanks!

[@bigskye606]

Need to give yourself more credit. Your skills, especially with a chainsaw, are way above mediocre.

[@peterottes6900]

What great videos and love the commentary. One thought I had was you might want to support those awnings. A little weight on them will eventually allow them to fail. But other then that I think your work is awesome!

[@leemitchell3020]

A Tom Cat will keep rodents at Bay lol. Might want to brace those 2 awnings for snow load. Cool cabin, I'd be out there all the time.

[@survivingringworm2202]

For sure. Need to get some supports under them before the snow gets too thick which looks to be next week...

[@mikesavoie3142]

Not only do I love the projects you build, I love that you are entertaining as well. You have a great sense of humor and you are able to laugh at yourself as well.

[@DavidRobinson-mx6cl]

Tack old stove pipe around anything they can climb ! They can't get a grip !!!!-!

[@carpenterpatriot4139]

I've spent my life building off precise Architectural Drawings .. the way you are building is by far the most fun way to building .. just put it together, the project will lead you where you need to end up .. good job !!!

[@survivingringworm2202]

There are definitely pluses to both styles of building. But when nobody is looking, I'm usually tempted to wing it.

[@yunussuleman9690]

Hi I don't know your name I just subscribed Sorry, and I see this video and you are genius Cutting lumber only used chainsaw, this work is good and well done

[@survivingringworm2202]

Ryan. And thank you!

[@andrewgraham5151]

Stove pipe over the stilts will work well. Maybe make a folding ladder to get it up off the ground.

[@anthonythorp7291]

Yep, stove pipe. Put it on standing old dead tree trunk to protect wood duck nest box. Had idk 2 ft section 2 ft off ground. Make your ladder hinge up or pivot on a rod when off season. Seen a vid guy had brackets where ladder goes and another set to hang ladder on side off stand therefore off ground when not in use. Caulking I like Big Stretch. You get what you pay for. All that work, don't get cheap on outside.

[@rhondaclark716]

I know you you can make , a really , really , big tent ⛺️. Since you like them , or , maybe a TP , like the Indians use 🤓

[@hwtcoach]

Wrap the posts with aluminium flashing about a foot wide.

[@DaveDefrane602]

Our stilted blinds have tin skirts about half way up the stilt. They do a good job stopping critters from climbing up. As for you ladder....maybe hinge the ladder up under the floor. gets it off the ground.

[@survivingringworm2202]

I think that’s definitely the way to go. Someone else mentioned using dryer vent for the skirting which seems cost effective. As for the ladder, that might take some engineering as its weight is screwed to a tree root.

[@TheOxbowCabin]

Nice! I’ve got a build going and that is some inspiring stuff, cheers

[@survivingringworm2202]

What ya building?

[@TheOxbowCabin]

@@survivingringworm2202 little 14x14 off gridder on a river. Have to hike or float everything in- check out the channel if you’re curious, cheers!

[@Swindy1794]

An RV trick to keep out mice is to stuff steel wool into any small openings. They cant chew it. Works for me.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Fortunately, they haven't chewed any holes yet...

[@ronin7183]

A great watch and very cool build! Thanks for the upload, that’s a mean deer stand 😎🤙🏽

[@FerbGsta]

u can use some pvc pipe to protect u from the mice put it arround so they have no Grip and just slide of Greetings from Austria

[@stevegermain1222]

Pretty wild that you don't want to stay in the cabin I get it

[@jimbob7559]

Not me. I love being outdoors but I've had a couple of scary tenting experiences with bears. You sleep in the tent (bear bait) and I'll be upstairs in the deer house.

[@survivingringworm2202]

With black bears? I think they are kinda cute though I've never inspected their mouths very closely.

[@johnwurfel2862]

You are funny. This channel is underrated. You seem like good people.

[@robinredman5192]

Just found ya and watched both videos of the Deer Castle. You have a great attitude and are blessed with a can do Spirit and great Skill set. Had me chuckling with your election comment. I grew up in Michigan and lived in the Sault after getting out of the Submarine Navy. Winters were a bit rough for the wife and I. Retired now. Howdy from the back-roads of Tennessee.

[@metroplexchl]

No question. Bad Ass.

[@kathleenlairscey5934]

Necessity, the mother of invention. Creative wood craft is my thing too.

[@oldthudman]

They have those termite shields....Very popular in Hawaii

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

Your, "looks like we just elected a new president" comment was absolutely on point!!!

[@mikeseymour-be1cy]

He is probably not a hunter because how would you open the windows?

[@TrehanCreekOutdoors]

First, I do like the end result of your project. Very nicely done. As for building without a plan, why not? I'm a former homebuilder and have built a few deer blinds on my property that started with nothing more than deciding I wanted a deer blind "right here." Every one turned out different but all serve their purpose. They are deer blinds, not showcase houses! Build them as you go. I will be fine! Obviously, building these things isn't rocket science but you do learn good lessons from each one that help out on subsequent projects. My first major blind on my property was literally built attached to live trees....which is a huge mistake. I built a couple more like that then switched to ones that are supported by lumber, not living trees. Too much movement of the trees and damage due to the trees growing around the blind over time. I actually removed one blind due to the problem of having it attached to living trees. Like you, I discovered a 6 to 8 foot height above ground to the floor level is enough. Not much benefit from a taller blind but lots more instability. I tried various sizes and discovered a 5 x7 size works well. So does a 6 xx 8. I won't go smaller than a 4 x 6. Mine are mostly built with salvaged materials, such as old decking boards or other treated lumber, culling out any bad pieces. I like to use old iron security doors such as for a sliding patio door as the subfloor instead of lumber. Then I just screw decking right onto that iron frame. The iron frame will hold far more weight than will ever be put on it and holds up virtually forever. Paint it first, if it is rusty. Ii discovered that recycling old fence pickets, such as those made of cedar, really makes nice exterior siding and looks great. That stuff is already weathered. You just have to pick out the pickets that are still solid enough to use. If you cut the pickets down to a 4 foot length, that works nicely and it gets rid of the top and bottom ends which usually tend to be rotten. Honestly, my blinds cost me very little, just as yours was inexpensive. It's sure nice to have a spacious blind to sit in for hunting. I only hunt with archery equipment, either a recurve or a crossbow. So I have to build larger windows like you did. I do like your snap on method. Great idea!

[@oneballer5941]

stuff the legs at floor with steelwool .they chew on it and it sticks in there mouth and they stop

[@BigDaddy-qf5ye]

S.O.S. Pads will help. If the critters start a hole fill it with the sos pads it cuts there feet up.

[@jordantrottier3882]

I know it sounds silly. Irish spring soap. They hate it.

[@chriskourlos4407]

Keep up peanut butter on traps.. put em out everywhere. A sweet build.

[@JimmyDagoat]

Kk

[@withoutlaughts]

For the Squirrel and mice problem, in ancient spain they used an overhang on the "legs" of the house: s0.wklcdn.com/image_0/3958/25049246/15981708Master.jpg i think maybe something with wood emulating this could work

[@survivingringworm2202]

Holy crap, that's a cool building! Guess they would have to be stone like in the picture since those critters can easily claw into the wood.

[@UncleGo67]

My farther once told me, Can’t means it will take a little long.

[@emilyscarpetcleaningautode5345]

Use Cayenne pepper to keep the mice and squirrels away

[@patriciamuskevitsch8359]

Wrap the legs with smooth metal that critters can't climb

[@jebediahpace460]

Metal sheet with oil works the keep them from climbing the mice

[@mattsilliman2136]

Just recently stumbled upon this channel Ryan.. Subscribed soon after 1st video I watched. Enjoying every aspect.. Skills.. Ingenuity.. Odd humor... U name it. Your request 2 hit the like button.. (I understand from Utube point of view) yet seemed way 2 generic.. (I'll still do it..).. (cuz.. U deserve it no doubt.. Lol) so I had 2 give U the more personal.. LIKE!! very cool.

[@survivingringworm2202]

I appreciate you taking the time to like and LIKE! Nice to hear from folks that enjoy the videos.

[@CynicalDad81]

Nice getaway, love the comment about the election too. 😏

[@southronjr1570]

You can use the wide roof flashing to wrap the poles to keep rodents from climbing them, just make sure they go far enough up because those critters can jump. As for the ladder, I would make it removable so it can be hungry up under neath to keep critters from climbing it because no amount of flashing can keep them off of horizontal surfaces.

[@archieburson4301]

Wrap some aluminum coil stock around it about 14 to 16 in length. Start at top of post directly under the bottom of the cabin floor.

[@2ndamendment495]

Think of the cone shaped dog collar they use to keep the dog from licking it’s self after surgery. Put those on the legs to keep mice from climbing past

[@ivanbadjorov1767]

That is a great idea good sir!

[@ellienorder520]

i like it very much , its simpel and good and all you need

[@zyxwvutsrqponml1234]

You could wrap the posts with sheet metal so they can’t use their claws to climb above it, but are squirrel can easily jump

[@billsutherland2128]

Try wrapping vertical timber’s with barbed wire. Great video!

[@adrianbulos6233]

Fantastic Amigo 😎👍😎👍

[@jimbob7559]

I really enjoyed your video. I appreciated the way you made do with scrap wood rather than cut another tree. Hey, another McIvor! Thumbs up! This British Columbia boy is now a subscriber. YeeHaw!

[@survivingringworm2202]

Ringworm even entertains Canadians? Who knew? Thanks!

[@bobspring6723]

Nice job young man. No real plans just a vision which I think turned out very well. Keep the thought process going. BTW I'm in SE mich Stay safe my friend

[@rastus666]

As someone who has done construction and used a chainsaw, a lot, I like the job you did on this hunting lodge/ tree stand/ man cave.

[@garybarnstable9569]

Run the trees on the bottom stovepipe old stove pipe there to footlong they can't climb up that but the trees so they could jump out of the trees and get on your roof and get entry that way red squirrels your devious mice well you can spray with the ladder with ammonia and water and that that might deter him a little bit

[@earnestsmith9312]

Awesome build deer castle!

[@pkope6849]

Very nice ,, 👍👍 I just watched this video and subscribed today. Great ideas and ingenuity on your blind , thank you for taking us along...

[@tigertoilet2]

the black caulk guy.builds again.

[@imawaylonfan1]

Thank you for sharing, enjoyed both videos that I have watched

[@bethechangeme2233]

Those tree's you used as a base are gonna rot out eventually, the level of moisture in the soil and also resident pests will determine how long.. it seems a shame to build such an awesome structure resting on a temporary foundation. The Japanese are masters at getting wooden buildings lasting many decades even centuries in wet conditions. They use a technique whereby a large stone is placed on the rock and the big log thats going to be used as a the foundation timber, or stilt, is then scored so it sit directly atop the rock. The rock is always shaped so the highest point is in the middle of where the stilt sits on it. This means all water just flows off it and where there is an absence of water there is, for the most part, an absence of rot. You dont need to go to this extreme, there are many other options available but its definitely not too late to do something about it. Love your content btw, not trying to be critical in the least more so just a bit of friendly advice from a fellow carpenter!

[@survivingringworm2202]

I appreciate the ideas! Most of the stuff I build out here really is ONLY for the fun of building something that day or week and likely will seldom get used. I’ve got a camp chair out here that I haven’t sat in in months because when I’m awake, I’m always building some new, ridiculous thing then going on to the next. Not saying this to suggest that there aren’t really good reasons to build with a longer view on things but rather express that I’m more of a spazzed-out little kid with grown up tools. I wake up and say “what would be the most thing to do at this moment?” then run off and bang something together or throw knives at something I’ve just completed. Still, your description of using big rocks under foundation piers is really intriguing. I might have to try it out on a projects just to see how it works. Thanks for sharing your comment/ideas!

[@byelochka]

Looking good man. I like your style. Have a vision, a loose plan, and just start making it happen. I’d try to do some inverted sheet metal cones/skirts around those posts to keep the critters from climbing them.

[@survivingringworm2202]

If there was a more fun way to do things, I might try it but just swinging wildly at projects site keeps it interesting out here! I think the metal cones are a great idea. But maybe something cheaper than metal? Don’t have easy access to it and would probably cost some $. Maybe 2 liter plastic?

[@pistolpeds]

@@survivingringworm2202 maybe some Teflon paint or a moat....lol

[@richardprather2900]

To help stop mice and other critters from climbing up inside you'll need metal wrapped around the legs of the stand... stove pipe maybe, scrap metal, Large coffie cans. Someway they can't get traction up the legs. Maybe hing up the ladder when your not there.

[@tonyamcnure4312]

Peppermint will keep squirrels out.

[@brianhibbs9300]

Doggonnit!! I was just going to make a simple elevated blind. Simple was the word. Not now! No. Now I'm thinking bigger with a heater and a bed and probably solar panels or something. Thanks alot! No more spare time for me!.....lol great job, great video.

[@survivingringworm2202]

Chainsaws ruin everything!