Deer stands, also known as tree stands, were once the simplest of structures. That’s not the case today, and some government officials are irritated by what they refer to as an abundance of deer stand mansions.
A tree stand’s purpose is to give hunters a place to perch above ground while patiently awaiting their prey. Traditional tree stands were platforms adhered to trees.
That type of structure fulfilled its purpose of giving hunters a better vantage point, but offered little protection from the elements. So hunters became creative and upgraded their stands. Some, like the one in Texas pictured above, are free-standing buildings with roofs, insulation, heaters and windows.
According to officials in Minnesota, builders of the fancy tree stands go too far when they place their creations on public property.
“A lot of these cross the line of what’s appropriate,” St. Louis County Land Commissioner Bob Krepps told Deluth News Tribune. “If I’m out walking and come across one of these buildings on posts, am I going to feel welcome to hunt there? Probably not. And if I do, there’s likely to be a fight. That shouldn’t happen on land that belongs to everyone.”
Krepps has brought the issue to the attention of the county board, but at this time no specific action has been taken against those who own deer stand mansions in Minnesota.
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