Since the time of our forefathers, humanity has been hunting; from ritualistic hunting of hunter and gatherer tribes to modern hunting.
And now, people hunt deer for reasons within themselves. Some hunt for sport, personal beliefs, tradition, while for others, hunting is a passion.
For lovers of the wild, having a cabin in the woods is the ultimate achievement. Wildlife is quite abundant from the West Coast all the way to South Carolina. You can even spot a deer grazing in the backyard while hanging out at your doorstep.
To optimize every opportunity, more hunters are learning how to build a deer stand tower. Having an elevated tower on your property will boost up your deer hunting game. Have you been considering one but are unsure where to begin?
This article takes an in-depth look at what makes hunting deer popular, how to build a deer stand tower, and the benefits of elevated deer hunting.
Contents
Why You Need A Deer Stand Tower
A deer has multiple physiological advantages over the hunter. Familiarizing yourself with the animal’s habits will give you the edge.
Imagine a burglar breaking into the house of a stranger. If the thief were dressed in lime green, made a racket, and reeked of garbage, the man would quickly recognize their presence. This is similar to what happens with deer.
Deer have an incredible sense of smell. They can pick up your scent from the ground you stepped on. And if a deer smells you in the air, it will avoid you. Getting an elevated position lowers the chances of the deer knowing you are there.
Contrary to popular belief, deer can see you, regardless of the colors you wear. A raised deer tower places you out of eye range. You can soundproof your tower blind so that the deer won’t hear any noises.
You will have a vantage view of the prey. Both a bow and rifle hunter will appreciate the perks of an elevated tower blind. You can also see past obstructions that are limited by ground-level hunting. Plus, you are protected against the elements.
However, to enjoy these benefits, you first have to learn how to build a deer stand tower. Learn this skill below and join the ranks of hunters enjoying the benefits of elevated deer hunting.
How To Build A DIY Deer Stand Tower
DIY projects are all the craze right now. It’s a lovely venture that you can share with a friend or family member.
Will the stand be for temporary or permanent use? How many people would you like to fit in the space at a given time? Once you answer these questions, you can go ahead and shop for things you will need.
What Tools And Materials Do I Need?
The first technique involves making the elevated deer stand from scratch. The process is a bit more involved and may take longer to complete. The biggest perk is that you have full autonomy to decide the design and layout.
Or you can purchase a DIY kit from a local dealer. These packages come with easy-to-follow manuals on how to build a deer stand tower. You then assemble the stand on your property within a couple of hours.
Whichever the preferred method, the first thing you need is a plan. It will help direct the building process. A plan also helps determine the tools and materials you need, and the time required to complete the project. You can develop your own or get a ready-made plan.
Equipment you need when making an elevated deer stand includes:
- Timber and plywood for the blind, floor, door frame, roofing deck, interior, and exterior panels.
- Heavy-duty welded steel brackets for the base
- Roofing material. The majority of DIYers go with metal roofing or canvas.
- Basic carpentry tools. Saws, hammers, nails, bolts, measuring tape, framing square, long level, and a ladder.
- Paint for camouflage. Or a camo tarp can do.
Picking the right spot
Your deer stand tower should be set up at the most appropriate kill zone. Take into consideration the deer’s feeding and watering sites. Create your own water hole and food plot. Deer will find it hard to resist walking into your hunting ground.
For instance, with an 8-foot raised blind, you can stalk food plots, creek crossings, bedding areas, and feeding hot spots. Remember to take notice of birds and animals residing in nearby trees. You don’t want an owl or raccoon ruining your hunt.
Building the base
The best tactical method is first to fabricate the base at ground level. This makes it easier to assemble the platform on-site.
Using the specified measurements, begin with the frame. Then install floor joists inside the frame with screws, and create vertical supports for the framing. The next step involves securing the floor to the platform base. Place the base and floor in and attach the frame to the base while marking the roofline from the back corners to the front framing board.
Secure the center rafter, then attach the door frame and central support for the shooting window. Have the hunter sit to ensure the openings are placed at the right height.
Assembling the stand
While on-site, carefully mark the areas to place the legs and elevate the platform to the desired level. Concrete helps firmly secure the platform in place. Make steps to create a staircase. Don’t forget to install a handrail for safety.
Using a ladder, begin with the corner boards, then the roofing deck, and finally the roofing material. Once the basics are complete, customize your deer stand tower with camo paint, camo netting, insulation, and heating.
After all, is done, you now have a deer stand tower that will help improve your hunting experience by giving you an added advantage over your prey.
Why Deer Hunting Is Very Popular
Ever wonder why deer are highly favored in hunting circles?
Or why this age-old practice continues to gain relentless prevalence year after year.
Abundance of species
Deer are one of the most common wild game in many parts of the world. Species range from white-tailed varieties to red deer, mule deer, fallow deer, and Chinese water deer, to name a few.
In places like New Jersey and Colorado in the US, the sight of a deer or doe dashing between traffic on roads is commonplace. Depending on where you live, a quick check of the local deer news should inform you of available species, hunting seasons, and existing government regulations.
Viable meat source
Deer are larger game compared to rabbits, quails, or ducks. Hunting for meat dates back thousands of years, and venison has always been considered a good source of animal protein in nearly all cuisines.
Furthermore, hunting deer has a good payoff. It is worth all that time spent learning how to build a deer stand tower, and all the hours you spend waiting for the opportune moment.
Fun opportunities and sport
Deer are fun to track and stalk, which makes deer hunting a trendy hobby. Seasoned hunters have garnered years of experience and know a lot about deer habits. Some people love to be one with nature, while others just want to shoot a gun.
Deer hunting is considered a sport in some places, with hundreds of anxious hunters turning up during peak seasons. The prize often is getting to keep the shot buck or doe. Trophies range from antlers to the skin.
Ecological issues
In many parts of the world, the population of deer is exponentially increasing. Several areas report cases of overpopulation in what is now referred to as the deer epidemic. Too many deer within one ecosystem can be detrimental to both the environment and the community.
Deer are strictly herbivores and have to feed. If they exceed the land’s capacity, they will run out of vegetation to sustain their population. With their food sources depleted, they would starve to death.
And with the deer consuming certain trees and shrubs faster than they can replenish, the ecosystem will be disrupted. Other species will be impacted. Worst case scenario? Some varieties of flora and fauna may die off and become extinct.
This is one of the major reasons behind hunts sponsored and supported by the government.
Enhance road safety in deer-prone areas
Places with a large population of deer report extensively on the hazards that deer pose to road users. We have most probably heard or seen an automobile accident caused by an animal.
As their numbers increase, deer are more likely to encroach into human settlement areas. From the US to New Zealand, deer prancing into oncoming traffic without warning on the highways are common.
To alleviate the detrimental consequences of deer-related car accidents, we must regulate the deer population. Moreover, this means fewer deer suffering from these accidents.
Final Word
Applying the right strategies could boost your efforts tenfold whether you are an amateur or a pro at deer hunting.
Elevated deer hunting ensures you stay high, hidden, dry, and warm.
Hope you now are familiar with how to build a deer stand tower and the pros of having one. If you enjoy deer hunting, optimize the experience with a little DIY project. Happy hunting.
