Deer hunters are an odd lot in a few ways because, among other things, in many cases, we want to build a deer blind out of anything. At least those of us who hunt that way.

Through most hunters runs that streak of redneck ingenuity that lends itself to such endeavors. Preperation and set up is a big part of successful deer hunting and a big part of the fun.

So...I took a few extra minutes at lunch just now to make a run around the yard (I'm an owner in a large highway construction company) for inspiration and I had a few possibilities stand out at me.

This past season, I broke down and bought a ready made blind, a 'Sportsman's Condo' made of black PVC and pretty stout. Its nice, I guess, but its not really 'mine'. I will certainly reuse it for years to come but considering my options, I am going to set up at least one other hunting spot and probably a bow only stand.

I want to set up in that sendero I found and have a slightly elevated position so see over a little hump and break the game's sightlines a little. 5-8 foot should be sufficient. So, I located a rack/frame for an overhead oil/fuel tank. It's heavy, its super solid, and its about 6' tall. I can move it, get it on to a bumper trailer and unloaded/tip it upright. I just have to build a blind to put on top of it and tie it down. It will handle a 4X8 blind. So...I'm going to play with it in January.

I also found my old tree stand which was....eh, something one of our welders built for something else...its got an 8' ladder and a 3X3 platform, made of really stout tubing. I had set it up before by lashing it to a big oak and sitting on the platform with my legs hanging down and resting on the steps. Its not a true ladder as such but more like steps. I already know where I'm going to stick it....near the cattle pens where the game come in and drink. there's a strong trail and a place where the fence wire is bent by animals passing through.

So: I'm curious. How unique, interesting, creative are other people's set ups?