To enclose or not to enclose

[madbomber10]

Three years ago I built a stand in a new location and I have come to love this stand for rifle season. I am for sure going to put a roof on it before the opener. The question is, should I enclose it or not? What do you think? I have gone back and forth on this quite a bit.

Right now I am leaning towards mostly enclosing it and adding the windows at a later date. Any tips or advice for doing so?

It is a free standing stand that is roughly 12ft high and over looks a nice creek bottom bordered by woods and two small food plots about 40 yards away.

[paceman]

I kind of did the same thing. Last year I rebuilt an old stand. I put walls and a roof on it and left the windows out. I was glad I had the roof last year when it was raining. This year I finished it off with windows. I should be able to sit there in comfort no matter what the conditions are. I also plan on bringing my young kids an evening or two. The enclosed stand will be more comfortable and will keep some of the noises in check.

[Bear55]

I say leave it open, at some point down the road putzing around with a window instead of taking your safety off is going to cost you a deer or a nice buck. Plus its nice to be out in the open air and take in all the sights and sounds. If you change your mind down the road or want a little more comfort as you age you can always add on.

[Double D]

The first cold windy day, you will love the windows.

The first day you bang the gun off the glass or can't get it open fast enough for the buck of a lifetime, you will hate the windows.

Theres my 2 cents.

DD

[mrklean]

haha well put DD tough to say i would probably enclose it maybe leave the windows out for now, at least block the wind and rain for now then chooser later if you want windows.

[harvey lee]

I have 4 windows and there are all made out of plexiglass. They are all held in place with those snap clip type.

It works well for me as I will see the deer coming from a long ways away.

if they were close to me, I would just pull one out and hunt with it open.

I also use a Mr Buddy heater in the box and it stays pretty nice even with a window open.

I love the enclosed box as I can eat a lunch, drink a cup of coffee and even take a nap if I so choose. many times I have been in the box all day.

No wind, rain snow or any other bad weather. I hunted in the elements long enough and now it is time to enjoy it even more. I still shoot the same amount of deer also.

I have another box with a roof but no sides except to the NW. I have shot many deer there but I do need to be way more careful with any movements as they can see my head and shoulders. Still works, just not as comfortable.

[pulleye16]

How loud is an enclosed box stand? The place where I sited my rifle was almost full enclosed and I thought I blow out my ear drums...and yes, I now wear hearing protection!!!

[creepworm]

I have a fully enclosed stand with windows. I have only had it one year but really did not notice the noise when I shot. I guess it is kind of like recoil, don't notice it in the heat of the moment.

As far as the windows go, I have four windows and would suggest putting windows in. I usually leave mine open but one morning last year the wind was blowing pretty decent so I closed the window on the windy side. That way I could still be comfortable but there is a 3 out of four chance that I do not have to mess with the windows if I did see a deer.

[Boar]

I dont like windows, the easily fog up unless everything is just right, I'd say at least enclose it to eliminate movement an sometimes keepin the wind off ya is just enough an having a mr. buddy is very comfertable, you can carpet the walls an floor for sound dampening. good point from creepworm if ya put them in, just close the windward one. Boar

[jay83196]

Windows are nice If you get good window double pane they don't fog as bad and you can keep them open in most cases to keep the movement down. MAke it comfortable as possible so on those miserably make wet days you can enjoy it.

[creepworm]

Just because the windows are there does not mean they have to be closed, but it is sure nice to have the option to close them if need be.

[harvey lee]

I dont like windows, the easily fog up unless everything is just right, I'd say at least enclose it to eliminate movement an sometimes keepin the wind off ya is just enough an having a mr. buddy is very comfertable, you can carpet the walls an floor for sound dampening. good point from creepworm if ya put them in, just close the windward one. Boar

I used plexiglass and have had no issues.

As far as the noise inside the box, I have never noticed it. Thats even with my 300 mag with the muzzlebrake. That gun is very loud. Maybe as loud as they come.

I think its easier on my ears in the box than when I target practice. I wear ear protection when I am practing.

[Boar]

Hey harv, sorry I shoulda been more clear, I meant sound dapening so when you drop a cup or a shell, or anything that will go CRASH BOOM BANG! you know how loud things are on a cold crisp day, mournign especially. Kick over a thermos, ect. ect ect. Boar

[motley man]

I just used 1/2 old storm windows and they worked great. Just made a wood frame to slide them to the side. Lined inside with old carpet and heat with small portable heater.