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9 Free DIY Deer Stand Plans You Can Build Today (with Pictures)

deer stand at a meadow

deer stand at a meadow

All good deer hunters know how vital your vantage point is. A manufactured deer stand can be hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Although they last a long time, it is a substantial initial investment to make.

Building your deer stand will save you a ton of money and give you the freedom to create it exactly how you envisioned. We have gathered 9 free deer stand plans that you can start working on today. There are plans for a variety of skill levels and price points, so we’re sure you’ll find an option here that will work for you and your needs.

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The 9 Free DIY Deer Stand Plans

1. DIY Deer Shooting Blind by My Outdoor Plans

DIY Deer Box Stand Plan
Image By: My Outdoor Plans

First on our list is the DIY Deer Shooting Blind from My Outdoor Plans. This is a heavy-duty 4 x 8 deer stand that can be used for many years. There are tips within this plan to help you save a bit of money should the budget be an issue for you. This plan is easy to follow and has some great pictures and measurements as you work your way through it.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Tools: Saw, Drill, Framing Square, Hammer

Supplies: Wood, Tar Paper, Shingles, Screws, Nails


2. Dree Tree Stand Plans by HH04

DIY Deer Tree Stand Plans
Image By: hho4free.com

This particular Dree Tree Stand Plan from HHO4 is a model that can be very easily manipulated to fit what you need. This is a plan that will require a bit of your time, as it’s not that easy to build. It does include a large platform stand, a rail, and a seat. This deer stand has pretty much everything you need and should last for many years.

Skill Level: Intermediate to Expert

Tools: Saw, Hammer, Drill

Supplies: Wood, Brackets, Screws, Nails


3. Scheierl Deer Stand

DIY Scheiel Stand
Image Credit: docs.wixstatic.com

This is a traditional deer stand with a camouflage blind at the top called a Scheierl Deer Stand. The construction of this deer stand should not prove to be difficult, given the instructions and measurements provided. What we love the most is that you can make this as high or as low as you need to. Only you know the correct height that will work for your property.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Tools: Saw, Hammer, Drill

Supplies: Wood, Screws, Nails, Material to cover camo box


4. Tree Stand by Musket Hunting

DIY how to build a tree stand
Image Credit: Musket Hunting

If you need a simple platform at the top of a ladder, the Tree Stand by Mustket Hunting is the perfect option for you. This is a very affordable option that is quite simple to build. You will need a solid tree and some basic construction skills. Outside of that, you can have this tree stand done in no time and get yourself back to hunting.

Skill Level: Beginner

Tools: Saws, Hammer, Drill

Supplies: Nails, Screws, Wood, Plywood


5. Small DIY Deer Stand by The How To Specialist

DIY how to build a deer stand
Image Credit: How To Specialist

The Small DIY Deer Stand from the Hot To Specialist is one of the best laid-out plans that we could find. You will get step-by-step instructions for exactly what you need to complete before moving to the next step. This model does not cost as much to build as others. Because of its size and the use of plywood, even as a roofing material, you will not have to spend too much time building before you are ready to hunt again.

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Tools: Saw, Tape Measure, Hammer, Drill

Supplies: Plywood, Screws


6. DIY Box Blind For Deer Hunting by Outdoor Texan

DIY Box Blind for Deer Hunting
Image Credit: The Outdoor Texan

The DIY Box Blind from Outdoor Texan is a build that will take you around 10 hours and costs about $300. The DIY Box Blind is a larger deer stand that several people can use at once. Although this particular model is not raised off the ground, there is no reason you couldn’t build a stand to put this box blind on. A locking door is a nice feature on this unit to keep other creatures away when it is not hunting season.

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Tools: Saw, Hammer, Drill

Supplies: Wood, Screws, Roofing Materials, Paint


7. Elevated Deer Blind Stand by My Outdoor Plans

DIY Elevated Deer Blind Plans
Image Credit: My Outdoor Plans

The Elevated Deer Blind Stand is the perfect mix of a deer stand and a box blind. This model can be modified to reach the correct height that you need for your land. This is a more complicated, expert-level build, but it is also a model that will remain on your property for many years. We love that this particular model features an opening on all sides to make sure that you do not miss any of the angles.

Skill Level: Expert

Tools: Hammer, Square, Sander, Drill, Saw

Supplies: Plywood, Screws, Glue, Stain


8. Tower Blind Deer Stand Build by Scott Gregg

The Tower Blind Deer Stand Build by Scott Gregg is a video tutorial that will take you through a step-by-step process of building a deer stand. If you are wondering whether or not this a project for you, we highly recommend watching this video to get a better idea of what goes into building your deer stand. Scott has created several videos about this one particular stand, and there are plenty of moments throughout the building process when you can customize this plan to work precisely for your needs.

Skill Level: Intermediate to Expert

Tools: Saw, Drill, Square, Hammer

Supplies: Wood, Paint, Nails, Screws, Brackets


9. DIY Elevated Deer Blind by Back in the Woods

We saved one of the most straightforward deer stand plans for last. The DIY Elevated Deer Blind by Back in the Woods is a project that you can do with a friend in a few hours. This video tutorial will give you a step-by-step look into what it took to put this unit together. In addition to this being a rather quick build, it is also really cost-effective. You can use the basic design of this model to customize the deer stand into a perfect fit for your property.

Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate

Tools: Saw, Hammer, Drill, Sander

Supplies: Wood, Nails, Screws

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Conclusion

A deer stand can be as straightforward or complicated as you want it to be. The most critical variables to consider when building your own deer stand are visibility and safety. Make sure that your deer stand is capable of holding not just you and your friend, but all of your gear as well. If your deer stand is close to the ground, having a door that can lock for the times when you are not there to keep an eye on it is a smart decision. Lastly, when building a deer very high stand, consider putting in a few levels as stopping/safety points on the way up to the top.

Regardless of what plan you decide to go with, we hope you enjoy your time spent in the woods. Happy hunting!

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Featured Image Credit: Ralf Neumann, Shutterstock

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