Trying to Prepare for Next Year: Tree Stand? Planting?

[Dstone001]

I've got a small amount of land behind my house that I've avoided hunting because my neighbors are very close. There is an active deer trail that runs right through it -- lots of droppings and fresh tracks. I spoke to the neighbor's wife, and she said they have no problem with me hunting. In fact, her brother and uncle hunt their land, which is just behind mine. So, I'm thinking about trying to get ready for next year. A few newbie questions, however:

1) My neighbor's people will be hunting about 200 yards up the deer trail from my land. Will this significantly hurt the chances of any deer getting down to me? I expect that there's no good answer to this.

2) I'd like to build a tree stand. I haven't started searching the Net, but I thought someone here might have some good plans or links to plans.

3) Is it worth planting something? The trail runs through a small "gully". There is a small hill on one side, a stream, and then thick brush on the other. The flat part in the middle -- probably only 30 yards wide -- is fairly open, with grass. I figured I could plant something if it will bring the deer. I've looked at the planting forum here, and those are way more intense than what I'm considering. Any ideas? (I'm guessing this isn't enough information. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of the trail."

[burmjohn]

Regarding building one, i built a wood one which hands down has been my fav stand EVER... Roomy, sturdy, and you can build your seat and rails any height you want. Plus its safe (treated wood, lag bolted ladder, lag bolted to tree, with a supporting safety wood under it lag bolted to the tree.

The alternative is to get a 2 man ladder stand for 99 bux right now at dicks, they are on sale. I'd take my wood stand of those any day, and it will outlast it too.

[arrow nocker]

How many acres is the land?

Is it a bedding area?If not,where is the closest bedding area?

If there is enough land then you cna make it a bedding area and put a little plot in there.But you have to grow a lot to do all that.Its worth it in a way because it will bring them there but then your neighbors will also bennifet.All that work so they can shoot it on the way in or out?Im in the same boat.Got 7 acres and next year i am adding some food for them.But at least 6 of it is all bedding and apples.They are already in there but i have to hunt my neighbors land on the outside of mine since i have the beds.Well next yr.I cant hunt his.Soo i have to grow something in front of my box blind.And hope for the best.

If you have a big enough aea i would build a box blind.Like a shanty on stilts.Get in shut the doors and sit in a chair.Not quite hunting but hey it is nice when you want to go just out back and sit and have the chance to shoot a deer in comfort.

Grow some corn or something in the clearing and build the box blind stand over looking that.