Mississippi Hunter's Deer Stand Built To last

Mississippi Hunter's Deer Stand Built To last FARM HOME recreation 32-5-35 From the semi sleeper cab shelter to the stairs made from conveyor parts, Chuck Braddock built his deer stand to last using all recycled parts. "I like deer hunting and building things," says the Meridian, Miss., resident. "I had a chance to get the cab, and I used parts of things from all around for free or little cost." Braddock welded all the steel parts together, including sections from an old above-ground swimming pool that extends the cab to make the shelter 8 by 8 by 8-ft. He installed windows from an old school bus sideways to slide open quietly. He built the structural support tower and the shed on a trailer, then drove it to CRP land, raised the front end off the trailer to set the legs on the ground, and used his truck's winch to raise the 28-ft. stand. To secure it, he welded 2-ft. square plates on each leg and four 5-ft. lengths of rebar on each plate that sink into the ground like fingers at a 25-degree angle. In addition, he drove four mobile home anchors into the ground. When high winds ripped shingles off a nearby deer camp cabin, the sleeper cab stand held secure. With 45-degree stairs and a 1-in. drill stem handrail, the stand is accessible for children and adults who would have a hard time getting up into a ladder stand. "It provides a comfortable place for inexperienced hunters to experience wildlife," Braddock says. "Kids can move around in it or lay down on the bed, and there's a propane spot heater." Braddock has had two successful seasons with his homemade deer stand, which cost about $440. Since it's made of steel, he expects it will be available for future generations of hunters. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Chuck Braddock, P.O. Box 5821, Meridian, Miss. 39302 (ph 601 986-4898; Cbbraddock@ aol.com).

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