Field stands / platforms

[bandit1]

What is everyone using in a flood situation where the water is about a 1ft deep across a pasture? Are you leaving your dog standing in the water during the hunt or do you use stands / platforms to get your dog out of the water. If so please describe what you use.

[hunt-chessies]

I don't have an area like that but i would look at an avery ruff stand if i was you.... or if your hunting from a tree line try the bottom half of a climber stand. It will hang off the tree but it's plenty solid for a dog and portable.

[Randy Clark]

i had scout sitting in a chair last year with no arms. he was falling asleep i thought it would be pretty funny to watch him fall in the water. but he kept jerking himself awake:smileinbo

[Keith Yates]

Chad I use a Ruff Stand. Works well but can be a pain to tote in when you gotta hump it in and out. Dogs seem to mark well from it and stay warmer on the few cold days. The quality of the holes drilled in it were pretty poor with a ton of burrs and not so round. I cleaned up the holes and everything lines up well now and is easy to adjust the height when needed. You can also put a dog blind on top if you like for further concealment. I use a hang-on tree stand when hunting timber. I'm getting ready to build a folding scissor type platform. Just haven't figured out the design yet. Probably 3/4' emt with cordura sewn between. Kind of like a camp stool but larger.

[D Duck]

I don't have an area like that but i would look at an avery ruff stand if i was you....

I have read good reviews of this stand and will probably get one before season starts. Also will fit the ground force blind on top for those areas without a lot of cover. :occasion14

[Capt HiC]

I had Tank hunt in the water last year. Thats Why I got a CBR. Tall and Tuff. I figured if they could break and hunt in the Frigid Ice a little cold water for an hour would be no problem.
I've been training him with a platform for upcoming Road trips.

Capt Hiram

[Duckaholic Doug]

Chad,

There are a few options I have considered.
1) Avery's Double Duty Ladder/Tree stand $149. Good if you hunt out of the boat or have timber to hand the platform from.
2) The Avery Ruff Stand Platform $179 good for flooded marsh. http://www.averysportingdog.com/products/Stands.php
Another Avery Option with a blind on it; http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0049666660171a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=avery+ruff&Ntk=Products&sort=all&_requestid=133671&_requestid=138037&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&_D%3Asort=+&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1
3) Final Approach Mud Hut for Open field. http://www.fabrand.com/products/dog-accessories/mutt-hut-blind-ii/advantage-max-4-hd/
4) Make a homemade version out of 2x4 and marine grade plywood. The boys in Mississippi make 'em and put some carpet on the platform. The carpet was most likely scavenged from someone's home remodeling or their own curbside pick up.

I was told to make sure you have good traction on the platform; be it, carpet, EVA Foam, or Hydro Turf.

If you know your hunt location, you can build something custom for that situation. For versatility, I like some of the manufactured options for reduced weight if you have to move around, like the Avery Ruff Stand. I just don't like paying that much money on it, so look around online. It's a crime what these companies are charging for these stands.

[D Duck]

If I could weld worth a crap, I would just build one myself.... Easy to do.

[zach raulie]

Been using the Ruff Stand for a couple season's now hunting, and training for hunting situations. It could be better for traction, but it is acceptable. I have the taller of the two stand's that Avery offers.

As for a less expensive option consider finding the local Krispy Kream/donut delivery guy or bread truck guy and ask for a couple of the larger crates they use. They are plastic and pretty durable and stackable to your desired height. I will put some rubber(blk) flooring on top of it too if needed for traction. I have one that I use as a means to keep the dog off the floor of my Momarsh skiff while hunting, it keeps them out of the water that accumulates towards the back of my skiff when the dog is with.

Depending on how deep the water truly is the plastic crates are nice and lightweight, cheap and durable.

zr

[D Duck]

I got my Ruff Stand delivered yesterday. Not bad construction and lighter than I had expected. I agree about the traction though - I might have to put some left over Hydroturf on top to fix this.

The really good part is that it only took Bristol about 5 minutes of work to figure out and master getting on/off. She got up on her own on command while holding the bumper after only 3 times of me helping. She learned that so quick - I was really impressed. :occasion14

[bandit1]

used a 2X4 folding leg adjustable table by lifetime. worked great for me and the dog.

http://www.buylifetime.com/Products/BLT/Tables/AdjustableHeightTables/Default.aspx

[Duckaholic Doug]

used a 2X4 folding leg adjustable table by lifetime. worked great for me and the dog.

http://www.buylifetime.com/Products/BLT/Tables/AdjustableHeightTables/Default.aspx

Chad, Did you put carpet or anything on top of the table for traction? If so, post a pic.

[bandit1]

I am going to have to put carpet on top of it. I just put a piece of camo cloth over for the hunt. It is very slick if you don't , but it does make them learn to sit still or over the side they go. LOL!

[Duckaholic Doug]

Chad, If you have a chance, post a pic from the field of the table in use. Or a training session, in use. Thanks for the feedback.

[RSCeranic]

My neigher was throwing away a wooden bar stool. I took it put a square piece of plywood on the top where the seat is and it is good in 2.5-3' of water or I lay it on one side where I have another piece of plywood that is good for 1 - 1.5 feet like you were talking about. I painted it camo. It is lite and easy to carry. I have a toller so she is a smaller dog but it has worked well.

[bandit1]

I got the carpet on and it is great, but i need to find a better way to steady it if the bottom is soft. Also it is a little heavy, but it is cheap.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m16/3013juneberry/PICT0002.jpg

[GatorBone]

I heard of a fella making his dogs balance on a 5 gallon rotella buck turned upside down.