A deer blind is an excellent way to conceal your movements, and even your smell, from deer while hunting. Many blinds are simple constructions with holes cut into them for shooting, but adding a functional window will help to keep the weather out while still providing viewing and shooting access. A simple window will also help keep bugs and unwanted animals from getting into the blind. Most homemade blinds built with 2x4 boards and plywood sheeting. This makes it very easy to add a window.
Items you will need
1 2x4 board
1 piece of plexiglass
Jig saw
Table saw
Miter saw
Screwdriver
6, 2 inch wood screws
8, 3 inch wood screws
8, 1/2 inch screws for hinges
Step 1
Cut a square or rectangle in the plywood sheeting of the blind. Position this opening so that you can easily see and shoot out of it from a comfortable position. Use a jig saw or circular saw to cut the opening.
Step 2
Cut a 2x4 to match the outside dimensions of the opening using a miter saw. For instance, if your opening is 12 inches high and 24 inches wide, cut two 24 inch long pieces of 2x4 for the top and bottom pieces, and two 2x4's at 15 inches for the sides. The side pieces are longer so they can overlap and fasten to the top and bottom pieces.
Step 3
Screw the 2x4's together with 3 inch wood screws at the corners to form a frame for the window. Mount the frame in place by screwing through the outside of the plywood sheeting and into the frame on the inside of the blind, so the frame outlines the opening. Use 2 inch wood screws to secure the frame in place.
Step 4
Cut a piece of plexiglass with a table saw. Make sure it is slightly larger than the inside of the frame. For the 12 inch by 24 inch window, the plexiglass piece should be about 13 inches tall and 25 inches wide so that it overlaps the frame by 1/2 inch on each side.
Step 5
Carefully screw two hinges to one side of the plexiglass and to the wood frame, from the inside of the blind, with 1/2 inch screws. It is usually best to hinge the bottom side of the window so that it can be dropped out of the way when you want to reach out of the window.
Step 6
Screw a small piece of wood to the top of the frame. Do not screw it all the way in. Leave a gap about the thickness of the plexiglass. This piece will hold the window closed. You can rotate it around the screw to secure the plexiglass or to open the window.
Warnings
- Always wear safety glasses when working with power tools.
Tips
- For a more secure seal, add a thin piece of self adhesive weather stripping to fit between the window and the wood frame.
- Pilot holes drilled in the plexiglass will make it easier to install the hinge screws without breaking or cracking it.
Tips
- For a more secure seal, add a thin piece of self adhesive weather stripping to fit between the window and the wood frame.
- Pilot holes drilled in the plexiglass will make it easier to install the hinge screws without breaking or cracking it.
Warnings
- Always wear safety glasses when working with power tools.
Writer Bio
Michael Kozlowski began writing in 2006 and has published fiction in Eternal Press, "The Monsters Next Door" and "Scarlett Literary Magazine." He also has a novel-length travel memoir distributed through ecapeartist.com. He spent many years in the manufacturing and construction trades, traveling extensively. Kozlowski attended Wayne State University for graphic design and fine art.
