New deer hut "MUST HAVES"

struttingfool

Active Member
I am in the final stages before I start building my deer hut. Its going to be 5x7 6.5 feet tall and approx. 8 feet high. I have all of the details done, making a few minor tweaks here and there but I am looking for the things I make have over looked. What are your must haves that you put in your huts or wish you had put in?
Going to start building in the garage and then taking to the woods upon completion. My biggest set back so far is finding windows. I want to buy new construction windows but don't want to pay for them.

Thanks in advance

Strut
 
Sound deadening material on walls and floor for the inevitable bumps. Bow hanger, shelves for binos, drinks, calls, and most importantly, a couple of wheeled reclining business chairs (we use $55 Walmart specials).
 
heater, perhaps you can build an outside box to put tank in and plumb into shack to save space. Heaters make sits in cold weather easy to bear for young and old and anywhere in between.
 
Windows: http://deerviewwindows.com/

Build your shooting shelf/rest on the inside front wall about 2" or so below your window opening. That way, all your movement is below the sight line and all the deer can see is your barrel coming out the window, not your hands or shooting rest.

A porch out the back, so you step onto a porch and open the door to get in, rather than trying to open the door straight from the ladder.
 
Consider plexiglass versus windows. Go wide to limit blind spots. I think 6-8 inches tall is plenty, at least 3 feet wide, if not more. You can also buy cheap slider windows from Menards if that is what you want. Pretty nice to just slide the window open horizontally. Search for comfortable chair(s), may need to put those in as you build it if they won't fit thru a smaller door. I put two old patio rocking chairs in mine, can sit for hours with no back complaints. That's important as you get older! I also access via trap door, that is a pretty sweet setup. Lastly, look for a small, portable heater. I get complaints that the only thing missing is a TV to watch football. Some day maybe.
 
I like to have a hook or something real close to my side for some sort of ear protection. If I have time, I'll slide the ear muff or plugs into my ears before I shoot. If not, so be it. If I'm sitting next to somebody else that's about to shoot, I just plug my ears with my fingers. My ears are already bad enough.
 
Windows: http://deerviewwindows.com/

Build your shooting shelf/rest on the inside front wall about 2" or so below your window opening. That way, all your movement is below the sight line and all the deer can see is your barrel coming out the window, not your hands or shooting rest.

A porch out the back, so you step onto a porch and open the door to get in, rather than trying to open the door straight from the ladder.
FL Plotter , I have been looking into the deer view windows!!!! I think they are exactly what I am looking for. Any chance you could give me any more details on your experience with them? Any chance you used them in cold weather situations? I am in NY, your in Florida! Are they quiet, are they easy to use, nice slider? Anything you hate about them or anything you love about them? Dealing the company? Easy , quick shipping?????

Thanks

Strut
 
FL Plotter , I have been looking into the deer view windows!!!! I think they are exactly what I am looking for. Any chance you could give me any more details on your experience with them? Any chance you used them in cold weather situations? I am in NY, your in Florida! Are they quiet, are they easy to use, nice slider? Anything you hate about them or anything you love about them? Dealing the company? Easy , quick shipping?????

Thanks

Strut

Not FL Plotter, but thought I’d weigh in. Deerview windows are great, but they have extremely long lead times. You may want to call them and see what the lead time is currently, as it’s getting close to the time when everyone starts fixing their stands. I tried getting some from them back in March and I think it was 3 weeks then.

I ended up getting mine from The original deer blind window company (crazy name) and was pleased with the construction and shipping/packing. Great thing was they had custom sizes built and shipped within a week. I didn’t have the sliders, but the the framed swing sash windows. Prices were comparable with Deerview. No affiliation, just was happy with the product.


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I ordered my windows from original deer blind window company and will be here Monday. Hope to start construction 4th of July weekend. Thanks for the help, but I am sure I will have more questions

Strut
 
Windows: http://deerviewwindows.com/
A porch out the back, so you step onto a porch and open the door to get in, rather than trying to open the door straight from the ladder.
I strongly second FL Plotter's recommendation. As you get older you'll greatly appreciate a porch/landing at the top of the ladder/stairs to enter and exit the blind. I've never built one but do have a Redneck with the 10 ft base. The landing at the top is one of it's nicest features. Makes entering and exiting easy and safe. As said by others, shelf for sitting stuff on and a couple of hooks for hanging ear protection.
 
Metal style coffee can with the plastic lid (or some other container)....with some TP in it and a black sharpie. I'll explain... The TP is for obvious reasons....when mother nature calls you need to be prepared. The sharpie is for prosperity sake. Every time a deer is taken from the stand take the sharpie and write the date and who shot and any details on the wall somewhere. Over time you will develop a "history" of the blind that will become more and more interesting over time.

Can't over state the ability to seal it up tight - I like the expanding foam in a can. Bugs and mice will take up residence if it's not. Silicone caulk will works as well for smaller seams and joints.

I also use industrial carpeting on the floor. It quiets and noise and keeps things from falling thru the floor as well depending on construction.

Lots of other good suggestions already made.
 
Thank you for all of the great suggestions and help with my hut. It went up smooth, the windows are great and is 95% ready to hunt. My kids enjoyed helping as well painting and asking a lot of questions. Just need to add a ladder and put the flooring down and the painters are making me a sign. If I can figure out how to load a picture I will do that soon

Thanks
Strut
 
We found that chicken wire under the blind was a must. Our monster squirrels and or chipmunks would end up eating through the plywood on the floor and coming into the stand.
 
I would love to post some pictures but its not working? I get an error? Why can't I just copy and paste a photo??? It was easier building my hut than it is to upload a photo!!!
 
Here are some pics from struttingfool.....He should be strutting about this blind! Looking good!
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If your going for creature comfort you could add 12 volt battery with cheap solar charger, 12 volt power points inside is nice and you can add some cheap 12 volt red clearance lights with 3 way switches for ladder lights and inside lights. Red lights make it nice for the younger kids or older ones getting in and out when dark. Extra window tint to help black out windows i think is a must. Just leave small area to look through. deer will see movement if you don't.
 
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