Homemade Tree Stand
The benefits of using a homemade tree stand during hunting season are clear and well documented. Using a tree stand elevates you from the ground and gives you a better vantage point to hunt from. Raising yourself up from the forest floor helps to conceal the hunter and minimizes the deer’s ability to scent you. Tree stands are particularly popular for deer hunting and nowadays account for up to 90 per cent of catches. When the weather is hot, a tree stand offers some shade and a cool breeze, when the weather is cold your tree stand offers some protection from harsh elements.
Tree stands have really become popular since the 1970´s and the available designs have improved a lot in that time. You can either purchase a tree stand or DIY. Most hunters who choose to build a homemade tree stand do so to save money, but there are other benefits to be had when building your own home made tree stand too.
If you make your own tree stand, you can also design to suit a specific location, which means it will fit better into the tree, be more comfortable and be better hidden from sight of the deer.
When planning to have a homemade tree stand you basically have three different design choices: a ladder stand, a hang on tree stand or a free standing tree stand. A ladder stand and a free standing tree stand are generally not portable, so you need to choose your position carefully. Be sure to choose trees that are healthy and sturdy enough to easily support your weight and the additional weight of your structure. Hang on tree stands are portable, but may be less steady than other types if not carefully used and constructed.
When building your home made tree stand be sure to consider its safety at all times, although there is a great deal of advantage to be had from using a tree stand, the largest number of hunting accidents also involve tree stands. Don’t let this put you off, but keep it firmly in mind and use a safety harness.