Box stand tips

[MJ1657]

I'm going to build a box stand or two this spring. Looking for some thoughts on some dimensions and tips from guys that may have already built one.

My basic plan is to build it with the base around 8 feet off the ground. It will be enclosed with fold down "windows" on all four sides and have a roof.

What do you guys recommend for outer dimensons? I will be having two people in it at times. Bigger is usually better but I don't want it so big that I have a hard time positioning myself for a shot if I had to turn around or shoot out the side openings.

What do you think is the right height for the bottom of the opening (shooting rail)?

I plan on building it in my shop and assembling it in the woods.

Any tips you guys have would be great.

Thanks

[Crow Hunter]

I built mine 4X6, for one person in it at a time. I wish I had made it 5X6, it is a little tight. Other guys who built theirs for 2 people will have better ideas on how large to make it. My windows are hinged, they swing up. I have pieces of 1X2 on hinges that swing out horizontally and hold up the window (both sides of each window); I attached small blocks to the sides of the windows for the 1X2's to rest on, so the hinges are not holding up the entire weight of the window. I also slipped short pieces of pipe insulation over the ends of the 1X2's so that there is no noise. The bottom of each window opening is 36" from the floor; the best thing to do is to extend a tape measure a certain length, put one end on the floor, and put your hand on it like you are aiming a rifle; this will give you a good idea of how far from the floor your shooting rail should be.

[MJ1657]

Great looking stand Crow Hunter. That is exactly what I have in mind.

How did you make your windows?

Did you bury the posts in the ground?

[Crow Hunter]

Yes, I cemented the posts in the ground. The windows are made of plywood (OSB) with pieces of 1x2 attached near the top and bottom of each window to stiffen it. I put roll roofing on them rather than painting. Email me and i can give you a link to the plans that I based my design on.

[MJ1657]

Email sent. Thanks!!!

[mskyfshntchr]

I have hunted out of some box stands and the windows are the main thing here.

Sliders are not very good. Feeze up frequently- especially for ML season. The windows that work the best swing in. They don't need to fit real tight when closed. Depending on your set up in the woods- it is nice to have glass in them all. Some of ours are in the open and it is nice to have a window closed at times because of the wind.

To keep the windows open we have an eye screw on each side of the window and use a bungee cord to hold them open.

Size- the floor is 4x8. Works very well for 2 people.

[MJ1657]

I have hunted out of some box stands and the windows are the main thing here.

Sliders are not very good. Feeze up frequently- especially for ML season. The windows that work the best swing in. They don't need to fit real tight when closed. Depending on your set up in the woods- it is nice to have glass in them all. Some of ours are in the open and it is nice to have a window closed at times because of the wind.

To keep the windows open we have an eye screw on each side of the window and use a bungee cord to hold them open.

Size- the floor is 4x8. Works very well for 2 people.

Did you make the windows yourself? I like the thought of windows for wind protection like you said.

I'm thinking a combo of glass windows with "solid" windows like how crow Hunter did his. I think in rainy or snowy conditions a set up like Crow Hunter did would be nice.

[bottomdweller]

My stand is 8x10 perfect for two people. To large for one.

[MJ1657]

My stand is 8x10 perfect for two people. To large for one.

Two people could live in that stand.

[TooTallTom]

As far as window height goes, one more thing to think about is whether you plan on sitting on a chair or stool. If who ever is hunting the stand intends to sit at all, the windows will have to be positioned to allow that. Or, you could just do some custom work to get the seat at the right height.

What you don't want is to have someone get all settled on the stand on Thursday or Friday before the opener and realize that they'll have to stand the whole time.

[Crow Hunter]

Tom, absolutely right on the effect of the chair height. I decided what chair i would use in my stand (office chair on wheels with no arms) and sat in it to figure out how far from the floor to place the window openings.

Crow Hunter

[MJ1657]

It looks like I better get one of those chairs that adjusts up and down.