DEARY

makes sense that the odds of going unnoticed increase exponentially from a stand.

Although the lean-up stand I hunted from last season proved effective, this location, too, could stand an update. So I embarked upon yet another building project a couple of weeks ago.

I was satisfied with the design and dimensions of the stand I had built several months prior and would resort to the same general plans. But with a little thought, I concluded that my approach would differ. Yes, this structure would also be perched high on the face of a steep hillside. But rather than build onsite, I could prefab this stand at home, resulting in fewer ascents up the steep mountain and ensuring my walls remained perfectly square.

Inside my garage on a rainy day, I built the roof, floor and walls within a couple of hours. With help of my wife and a friend, we had the snazzy structure standing on the hillside in less than a day.

After clearing shooting lanes, I stepped back and admired the fruits of our labors It was a well-built structure where I could remain comfortable while savoring a favorite outdoor activity day after day.