We had an old van, the motor was about shot, drove it out there and parked it. Then slowly gutted it and added beds and space to get out of the weather.

Great suggestions! I will be staying in a hotel when I go to get work done around the lease during the hot months but during hunting season I'd rather stay at the lease. I'm looking at this tent. It's less than 200 and its big enough to get my ice chest etc in there as well. Has anyone tried one of these?



I'm also considering having the lease manager build me a small one room cabin. He builds them with air conditioner for around 1k but I want to hunt this year first to see if this is where I want to try and hunt long term.

Buy one of the cheap metal sheds from home depot. I bought an 8x10 on sale for $150. Had to get 2 sheets of plywood too (for the floor) but it would make a great little cabin for pretty cheap. IMO better than a tent.

I would do a small tent and a canopy. Tent is just enough to sleep in/ store your stuff to keep dry. Can sit under canopy and stay out of sun/rain.

In texas early season tent camping will be miserable!

northern too has Shelter Logic 10x20 canopy on sale for $99.99 and you can buy the complete enclosure kit for $99.99

Few years ago all I had was my pickup. I ordered a tent that fits in the back of my truck that worked pretty well. I believe I put in a blow up mattress queen size that fit great. Worked pretty well till I could afford a little camper.

Tent

I have seen guys with tents and a small window unit setting on a table in where a screen window is. Just a opinion. Live cheap this year to see what the conditions are on the lease. Small trailer with a metal building setting on it could also work. If not used to live in good second as a blind later on.

I have slept in a pickup bed, that had a topper, and I have used a tent. I suggest a 4-man tent. This will give you room for yourself and some gear, yet still be quick to set up, compared to a large tent. I also suggest buying or building a rain screen over the cooking area. All you really need for that is a tarp, and some kind of frame. A picnic type table is useful. On another subject, I made a simple camp toilet. It is just a 5 gallon bucket, with a cheap toilet seat. It can be used anywhere, then dumped out somewhere else. Much better that being out in the rain/cold. Also you could build a outhouse, however, I have found the bucket works great. Good luck.

Saw a guy at Amistad home made slid in camper on the bed of his truck. Equip with a window AC unit.

There is process to built campers by using foam insulation panels, TitebondII glue and canvas. Makes for a pretty lightweight structure. Read through this this link. http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=64361

Another option is a Yurt, wood floor, part wood walls and canvas top and walls. During WWII, GI's made shelter using wood from ammo crates, and 2 GI issue shelter halves, kind of a Yurt, but smaller scale.

These are pics from the 12TH Armored Museum in Abilene. Basically it was a 2 man shelter made with 2 tent halves, and shipping crate wood. From the pics, I think what they used on the display is wood fence pickets.

I think you are completely over thinking it. For the time being, go to Walmart and pick up a decent 6 to 8 man tent which will allow room for storage and sleeping. Then while your there, pick up a canopy to go over the tent which will also serve as a covered porch area to sit around in when not hunting as well as a place to get out of the rain after the hunt to take off your shoes and what-not. This could be done for $200 to $250 . Then as you can afford more, do it. Oh, and a cot or air mattress as stated above would do wonders for helping to keep you warm at night and off the ground. Good luck sir!

Our Elk camp consists of a quality 6-man tent, a canopy, and a couple plastic tables. It works. Been down to 8 degrees there. But not designed to be left up for any sort of duration. IF this structure will be semi-permanent I agree on the small metal shed idea. Build a couple bunks in the walls, insulate with foam board, and you've got a dry, warm structure.



If you buy a tent, I heartily recommend spending a little more and getting a true 4-season with quality DAC aluminum poles. Those cheap fiberglass poles WILL snap in a big storm, ask me how I know. My Basecamp 6 from REI has gone through some impressive snow, wind, and rain, and never flinches. It uses a 5-pole design which is much stouter than the typical 2-pole "X".