The Deer Hunting Dilemma
Should you buy a stand or build one?
by Kevin Lee McIver
In the vigilant quest for bagging a trophy
buck, there exists a dilemma many of us encounter. Should we buy a deer
stand or build one?
This can be a tough choice for some hunters
to make. A deer stand costs anywhere from $50 to over $400, depending on
the make and model.
On the other hand, you can acquire some
scrap lumber and simply build one for only a few dollars. You can even
purchase new lumber and do the same, but this can cost you well over $200.
Let's take a look at the first option. If
you are considering a portable deer stand, there are three basic models on
the market: climber, ladder, and strap-on. If these aren't your fancy,
tower and tripod stands are also available.
Climbers are very popular these days. In
only a few minutes you can ascend a limb-less tree like a lumberjack in a
matter of minutes. Versatility is what a climbing stand is all about. You
can position it at the desired height and in the direction you want -- two
critical factors when overlooking a deer trail. Climbers are fairly
compact and will fit into just about any vehicle.
As for their disadvantages, there are a
couple. More than one hunter has suffered an heart attack attempting to
scale a tree. This is not for the un-physically fit.
Another shortcoming is some models aren't
adjustable and won't permit you to climb extra-wide trees. Add to this
their tendency to "slip" if placed on anything but a pine tree,
where the stand's teeth can dig into the soft bark, and you may
reconsider.
Of course, don't forget that once you climb
to the top, the only way to retrieve a fallen object is to climb back
down. I'm not knocking climbing stands, but as you can read, there are two
sides of every issue.
Now what about ladder stands? Here is a
simple system which is very sturdy, requires little maintenance and can be
setup in seconds. Most ladder stands come in three sections -- two ladder
sections and a seat, which once assembled, is merely leaned against a
tree, then secured with a turnbuckle.
Ladder stands do have a few disadvantages.
For one, they always place you at the same height among the trees, which
requires you to be very selective in regard to location -- else your
vision or your shot will be blocked by a branch.
Another shortfall is that they aren't very
portable due to their length. If you must drag it through the woods, it
will snag on every limb along the way causing you much frustration before
the hunt even begins.
Ladder stands also have a tendency to tip
over as they have only two legs for support. Inevitably, one leg sinks
deeper into the ground and "over you go." And for bowhunters,
most models don't have a shooting platform; thus, requiring you to stand
on the top rung for a bow shot.
The last portable stand (ladder stands are
portable -- there just a pain) is the strap-on. This model doesn't climb
nor lean -- you must get to the desired height another way and then
"strap it on."
There are a couple of ways to do this. You
can use screw-in-steps to make your way to the top. You can use tree
limbs, or use one of the new ladder-steps (single pole with steps on the
side) to climb up. You can also use a combination of screw-in-steps and
branches to do the same. Most models are very light, uncomplicated and
great for backpacking into remote locations.
Tower stands, look much like the machine
gun towers overlooking POW camps which you see in the war films. Comprised
of four poles and an enclosed platform, these are the ticket where no
trees exist. Tower stands normally have a roof or canopy overhead, which
protects you from the elements. These are not portable however, and once
setup, they usually remain so for the entire season.
Tripod stands are similar to tower stands.
Tripod stands consist of three poles with a platform on top. These stands,
which also are not portable are very popular in locations where trees
aren't available for using the other types of stands. I have yet to use a
tripod stand, but can see great possibilities.
Now if you don't want to use a portable
stand, there exists another option -- you can build one instead. In
building your own stand, imagination is the key. Back home I
have seen homemade stands consisting of a single wood plank spanning two
limbs. In Alabama, I have used wooden tower stands overlooking planted
fields. In Europe, the "cream of the crop" stands are used to
hunt deer. These tower stands are more like studio apartments with glass
windows and plush interiors.
Choosing a stand, or opting to build one
can be a trying experience, but one most hunters must make sooner or
later. The key to happiness is to buy the model which feels most
comfortable and will allow you to setup in every location. If you decide
to construct a stand, use your imagination and go all out -- especially if
you own the land you will hunt.
Regardless of the type of stand you hunt
from, remember safety is paramount. Too many hunters are injured or killed
each hunting season due to carelessness -- not stand malfunction. Always
ensure you use a safety belt and that your stand is correctly assembled
according to the documents which accompanied it. Your life is worth it.
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