Don’t bother putting much $$ into a perm stand on state forest land.

Earlier this fall I put up a stand in a 3-tree cluster and wrapped it with camo burlap for concealment/wind protection. Total cost of the wood and burlap was $50. I had hunted this same spot (sat on ground) for the past two seasons without bumping into any other hunters, plus the stand is an easy 500 yds. off any forest road. I spent extra time looking for other stands in the area, with hopes to get away from other hunters, and found none.

I sat there opening weekend and got a doe and was happy. When I go back for muzzle opener I find all the burlap cut off the thing and all laying on the ground.

I don’t understand it! It was a nice stand. I know its public property now, but what’s wrong with just using it as opposed to destroying it?? Some people are just total zero’s.

that sucks- some people just have to be a-holes

I still get confused can you have perms on state land? Whats the rule? Could have been a CO?

On some state land you can and some you cannot.

Example: No on WMA's and WPA's

Yes on managed state forest land.

so much for the hard work eh? some ppl i just dont get? why couldnt they just sit in it instead of tearing it down??

* Temporary tree stands are allowed in state forests, including portable and constructed stands, but marketable trees greater than 4 inches in diameter at 4 feet off the ground cannot be cut to construct an elevated hunting scaffold. However, shrubs, lateral tree branches, and saplings smaller than 4 inches in diameter at 4 feet off the ground may be removed if used for scaffold construction. Cutting shooting lanes is not allowed.
* Construction of permanent shelters is prohibited in state forests. This applies to permanent enclosed deer stands and structures associated with their use such as toilets and camp shelters.
* Deer stands on state forest lands are considered available for public use and must remain accessible to all. More about hunting in state forests


The way I understand it is that anything with walls or roof is illegal on state forest land.

This is a debated topic thats for sure, my guess is a CO tore it down thats pretty much what they do just tear it to pieces and leave it. Which i think is funny being there for nature wouldnt it be better to take the trash and everything with them???

In my experience when a CO tears it down it will be left in a neat pile and usually with a business card. They usually attempt to educate you to prevent future issues. I doubt it was a CO if it was just ripped down in shambles. I am pretty sure you are not allowed sides or a roof on it, but I could be wrong.

I posted this in another forum somewhere but I talked to a CO awhile back and I quote, "No permanent stands on WMA's and they are O.K. on State Forest lands".

I don’t think it was a CO either. No business card or any written message anywhere. Unless a CO was out hunting and came upon it? I just wouldn’t expect them patrolling the woods so far off the beaten path..but maybe?

If it was a CO that did it, than I understand but I have my doubts.

Ive seen many other stands on state forest land with burlap or carpet wrapped around them. Do you think this would be considered "permanent walls?" I mean you can practically see right through my burlap....

next time make a faux step!!!!

Good idea or a can of crisco

I hope the above two posts were in jest. Booby-trapping a stand on public or private land is a sure way to get into trouble.

Horrible what people will do. Even if it was a CO, leave it alone! It is not yours!

Tell me this.........why can someone put a 30 foot fish house on a lake and lock it up for 3 months, but a guy can't put out a permanent stand and lock it up for a few weeks out of the year?

I would guess the word "permanent" is the reason why. If you were able to put up a stand and completely remove it, like you can a fishouse, maybe that would be a different story.