Question for DNR's Mr. Cornice about Deer Stand Height

[Rosalita]

Mr. Cornice,

I am planning on raising a box blind (deer stand) up with 4 x 4's on private land. I am wondering how high I can raise it legally. The regulations state 16 feet. Is the maximum 16 feet from the ground to the floor of the stand? Or is the maximum 16 feet from the ground to the highest point (top of the roof) of the stand?

Thanks for the clarification.

[lcornice]

Statute: 97B.325 DEER STAND RESTRICTIONS.

A person may not take deer from a constructed platform or other structure that is located within the right-of-way of an improved public highway or is higher than 16 feet above the ground. The height restriction does not apply to a portable stand that is chained, belted, clamped, or tied with rope.

To my knowledge, it's interpreted as the platform. To follow up the next question, I have no idea why there's a max height in law!

[Jameson]

To protect us from ourselves.

I would think that the law was put in place before safety vests were commonly available. I would like to see the 16 foot law abolished, or changed to say that if over 16 feet a safety vest is required.

[lcornice]

To protect us from ourselves.

I love it. I'm going with that! I think it actually used to be 9 feet. Given it's a statute, it would require a Legislative change to remove the restriction.

[fasternu]

does this apply to private land as well as public land?

[BoxMN]

I thought it was because 16' 2x4's and 4x4's are about as long as commonly you can get

Our steel box stands are 12' to platform, cause that is the common length angle iron our blind welder can get

[B. Amish]

it's nice to be high, but i've been in some stands that are at 16' and when the wind starts blowing, the whole thing starts swaying. if you want it sturdy, then you need a small forest of 2x4 braces and wires coming out in every direction.

no thanks. i'll stay a bit lower and sturdier.

[UdeLakeTom]

I am sure that this is for stand alone stands...if you want to climb at tree, you can go as high as you want. Also, it the platform is in a tree, the 16 foot rule does not apply.

[fivebucks]

The rule would apply to any stand above 16' unless it is a portable stand. A platform built in a tree with screws or nails above 16' would be against the rules as state from above.

Statute: 97B.325 DEER STAND RESTRICTIONS.

A person may not take deer from a constructed platform or other structure that is located within the right-of-way of an improved public highway or is higher than 16 feet above the ground. The height restriction does not apply to a portable stand that is chained, belted, clamped, or tied with rope.

[Rosalita]

Thanks for the information. Just to be clear, by platform, do you mean the floor?

[UdeLakeTom]

What I was referring to, is if you want to climb a tall enough tree, you can be over 16 feet off the ground. You can hang a portable or stand on a branch. Just don't fall.