Building Deer Stands with EZ Brackets

UPDATE on page 2

ChatRabbit and I will be putting some deer stands together tomorrow with these brackets to make the building process super easy:

EZ Bracket



We're open for any suggestions for any additional features. So far here are some main ideas:

1. 6x6 base with a 4x6 box so that the ladder goes to a 2 foot balcony. That way you can walk directly into the box rather than having to take everything off your back and pull yourself into the box directly from the ladder.

2. Mounting a 5 gallon propane tank under the box and running a gas hose into the box with a burner. That way we're not burning through tiny propane bottles and have a permanent heater at each stand. It'll likely just be one single board across the bracing that the tank sits on.

3. The roof will be angled away from the balcony so that water does not drip directly onto the balcony during rain and such. This will hopefully limit ice buildup, although not permanently prevent it, when it's cold.

4. I have a large old rug with an oil stain on it that is going to be cut into sections to be small rugs for each box. I've heard suggestions to not let the sides of the rug go up the walls inside the box or animals will start building nests under it. Noted.

That sums it up for the most part.

Another thing we're wondering is the best way to put the stands into the woods. Our idea so far is to transport just the skeletons of the boxes on a trailer (no plywood walls to avoid creating a wind sail) then put the plywood sides on when we get there. Then we'll haul the boxes out on a trailer with the ATV or tractor (it's a bit sloppy for the truck). When we get to the site to put the stand up we haven't thought of the best way to get them up yet. The EZ bracket luckily has loops on each corner so it's a perfect place to hook a rope or chain so that will likely be where we tether it.

TL;DR - We're building box stands. Give us design suggestions. Tell us the best way to get the boxes up.

Thanks in advance for your time.



EDIT #3:

Materials up to this point have all been purchased at a nearby Home Depot (except the brackets).

Materials List *Will change as progress is made*

(x2) 12' 4x6 Pressure-Treated, Ground-Contact Lumber $21.98 LINK
(x3) 8' 2x4 Pressure-Treated, Ground-Contact Lumber $3.17 LINK
(x1) 4'x 8' 23/32" Plywood Sheet $24.78 LINK
(x1) 100-pack 5/16" Hex Nuts *spare for future* $9.43 LINK
(x20) 5/16" x 3" Hex Bolts $0.34 LINK
(x1) 100-pack 5/16" Washers *spare for future* $17.97 LINK
(x1) 100-pack 5/16" Lock Washer *spare for future* $15.20 LINK
(x1) 3" Torx-Head Decking Screws $35.30 LINK


EZ Bracket Pack $139 LINK

Total Cost Currently (tax included): $177.61 + $139 brackets = $316