Buzz
Tree stands, often referred to as deer stands, are hunting platforms that can be either open or enclosed. These stands are positioned high in a tree to give hunters an improved view. The three main types are climbing stands, ladder stands, and hanging stands. The key difference between climbing and ladder stands lies in how the hunter reaches the elevated seat. Hanging stands are affixed to the tree with chains and cables. We’ll focus on constructing a ladder stand, the most commonly used type. [source: Big Game Hunt]
Begin by constructing the ladder.
- Place two 20-foot (6-meter) 2-by-4 beams next to each other, ensuring the 2-inch (5 cm) side is facing up.
- Cut additional 2-by-4 beams into 2-foot (60.96 cm) pieces to create the rungs. You’ll need 14 pieces in total.
- Position the rungs along the 20-foot (6.096-meter) beams at 18-inch (45.72 cm) intervals.
- Fasten the rungs to the beams using nails or screws, ensuring they're firmly attached.
- Place the ladder against the tree and secure the top to the tree using a rope or chain to prevent it from shifting.
Next, construct the seat.
- Select a suitable location for the seat.
- Secure two 2-by-4 beams horizontally, one placed above the other, by nailing them into two branches that are positioned close to one another.
- Fasten a piece of plywood onto the 2-by-4 beams to form the backrest of the seat.
- Attach two 2-by-4 beams side by side to two different branches that extend outward.
