Elevators
Deer hunting from elevated platforms has become commonplace for hunters.
Being elevated high above ground level primarily helps hunters by allowing
them to see over and down into the brush below. Additionally, deer are less
likely to loop up, therefore increasing the probability of getting off a
shot without being detected.
It is not uncommon for hunters to pay more than $2,000 for one elevated stand. Usually, the serious hunter has several stands and the investment can be substantial. It is for that reason most hunters choose to build their own stands, so they can save money. But these homemade deer stands can be dangerous and last year I almost became a statistic when a homemade stand crashed to the ground. Fortunately, a tree broke the fall.
The main concern on do-it-yourself deer stands is creating a solid and lasting connection from stand legs to the stand base. This is the area most likely to fail, especially as the stands age in our Texas weather. Several months ago I ran across a patented bracket system called “The Elevator”, that will sturdy up any elevated stand and with proper installation could even save a hunters life from a disastrous fall.
“The Elevator” bracket system will work whether you are building a back yard swing set, gazebo, play scape, picnic table, front porch swing, children’s play house or best yet, a sturdy safe elevated hunting stand. Start by sliding one end of the bracket over a leg of your project (then bolting it solidly in place. The other side of the elevator will now be solidly in place to bolt or screw the next piece of your project (which is usually running perpendicular to the first piece). After attaching the two pieces to the elevator bracket you will discover the need for bracing will be virtually eliminated. Elevators are available over the Internet and can be shipped to you. They come packaged in sets of four for either 2’ x 4’ or 4’ x 4’ legs. Accompanying each set of elevators is an instructional DVD as well.
Lately, I have tried to chase the shade to stay a bit cooler while building deer stands for this fall. Each year I tell myself I won’t wait until summer to tackle the project, but that is just the way it works out. This year the elevator brackets have not only saved me time and money (making construction a speedy process) but most importantly my elevated stands are more rigid, stable and much safer.
The Elevators will be a big help for hunters by making their hunting platforms safer. The downside is that these elevators are so useful that odds are your wife will see things they can be used for in “her” yard. My wife was so impressed with them that she now has ordered a set for me to erect a long wanted swing set (a project I am now looking forward to building, thanks to this bracket system.) For more information log on to www.shadowhunterllc.com.