platform for duck hunting

[vandeman17]

We are thinking about building a little platform in the reeds at one of our duck spots. We would like to be able to get out of the water and have a place for our gear and the dog. Our idea is to pack out some 2x4's and use them as posts and then building a little platform area to stand on. Has anybody done this, and if so, how did it go? Any suggestions?

[HighCountryHunter88]

dont be suprised if you show up to someone else using it or it getting tore out if its on public land..

[h2ofowlr]

Just a note, if it's on public land, what you build is for all to use and technically would have to be removed at seasons end.  Otherwise you would get lots of feedback on this that you may not want.
I have built many blinds over the years.  In using 2x4's it just a matter of how high you are going and how solid the bottom is.  If it's soft and with out a lower structure it will sink in over time.  The most recent one I made was out of 2x6's and I used ran heavy wall circular fence posts down into solid ground then attached 2x6's to them at ground level and used lag bolts to anchore them on.  I ran 8 legs and 2x6 bottom and cross beams.  I used hanger brackets that I had left over and used 1" treated plywood for the floor and roof with 3/4" on all the sides.  It worked great.  It should last many years.  I have also welded up metal framed blinds with wood floors, walls and roof.  Dug concrete, wood and metal pits.  It just depends on what you want.

[vandeman17]

I am well aware that it is public land and if someone else is there and using it then they are welcome to. I also know that we are supposed to tear it down at the end of the year and that is fine as well. We are just looking for ideas from people who have done about how it worked, like h2ofowlr's post.

[singleshot12]

Build it good winter storms will be hard on it. Plus get there super early if you want to use it before it is taken by someone else..

[vandeman17]

If we were to build it where we are hoping to build it, I am not too worried about it getting taken. If it does, then more power to the guy for finding it and beating us out there. 

[KwackWacker]

I know a great way to build one just like the one decribed......I will just need to take a look around the area you plan on putting it in, before I say for sure 

[h2ofowlr]

Here's a pic from one of the ones I built last summer.  It was wrapped in the field with horse fence for attaching grass.  I used welded hog fence on the doors.  It runs about $35-40 per sheet.  54"x15'.  This also makes a great blind if you use a platform.  Way easy and light and you can bend in corners and make a door.  A good temporary blind.

[sakoshooter]

I am well aware that it is public land and if someone else is there and using it then they are welcome to. I also know that we are supposed to tear it down at the end of the year and that is fine as well. We are just looking for ideas from people who have done about how it worked, like h2ofowlr's post.

I don't believe you can legally build any kind of structure on public land. At least not without setting yourself up for a citation.

[Skyvalhunter]

Probably not if it is not a portable structure like this one.

[vandeman17]

h2ofowlr, that turned out pretty awesome. Only problem is that we have to pack on the materials in on foot and its probably 3/4 of a mile or so. No matter what, it will be a fun project and we will learn through experience what works and what doesnt

[h2ofowlr]

A roll of field fence, tee post and loppers.  Then use the natural surroundings.  I build many natural blinds each year.  I always carry loppers, clippers and a saw.  Then i throw in a roll of form wire with me and snips to tie everthing together.

[Dustin07]

I am well aware that it is public land and if someone else is there and using it then they are welcome to. I also know that we are supposed to tear it down at the end of the year and that is fine as well. We are just looking for ideas from people who have done about how it worked, like h2ofowlr's post.

I don't believe you can legally build any kind of structure on public land. At least not without setting yourself up for a citation.

I do believe the law states that duck blinds must be taken down at end of season. that implies to me, that you can. 

[vandeman17]

that is what I was thinking as well or at least that is how I understood it. When they say permanent, I interpreted that as lasting longer then the hunting season. 

[Dustin07]

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=232-13-120

[vandeman17]

Plain and simple right there

[goober]

Aside from the comments already made, done properly, they are great to hunt out of. Only downside is that a number of other birds will use them as a perch and crap everywhere!

[Special T]

I had a professor at CWU that was a Pro Guide for ducks. He would make nice blinds with 2x6 seats too keep people from hunting the sweet spot on public land. He said nice blinds are usually found and used by those less in tune with the birds patterns. He would often put them on the way to his honey hole and then make a temp one where he hunted. He also said he policed up all the shells to leave less evidence of what he was doing. He used fiberglass rods and stuck them in to the ground then stacked tumble weeds over them.  His hunts were half day morning hunts and his bird/day hunter avg over 30+ years was between 4 and 5... I think the best way to ruin a good public spot is to put a blind on it.