What Is a Hunting Cabin? Explained

Besides baseball and drinking beer, hunting is considered one of North America’s most popular hobbies. The reason why people like it so much is because it gives you a chance to connect with nature, feel the rush of adrenaline while being on the hunt, and an opportunity to create a tradition for future generations. It’s similar to Christmas, except you’re spending time alone in the forest. In this article, we’ll talk about what a hunting cabin is, how to design one and what you need to know about them. So, let’s start!

What Is a Hunting Cabin?

So What Exactly is a Hunting Cabin? A hunting cabin can be described as a simple cabin, which is usually small in size and equipped with only basic things. It has all the essentials needed for day-to-day life in the woods. Most of them are not spacious or luxurious, but they are equipped with everything for a perfect hunting stay.

I the next sections we’ll talk about the attributes of a cabin, how to make one, what they offer and why are they better than cheap tents. Also, it will show some frequent issues that can occur with these types of cabins and how to solve them!

For those who want to build a log cabin, be sure to read 7 Essential Log Cabin Tools Required to Build a Log Cabin.

Hunting Cabin Features

The perfect word to describe a hunting cabin is spartan, as simple and minimalist as it can be. The main task of owning a hunting cabin is getting away from the loud, bright city routine, and running away to the quiet, peaceful Mother Nature. There are no soft pillows, Internet service, or indoor plumbing. However, you won’t need much more than a kitchen, a bed, and storage for the hunting gear.

The kitchen of the hunting cabin is very similar to a camp trailer one. It has a sink, a stovetop, and an oven, and that’s it. If you think it’s necessary, get a bigger stove and oven. When it comes to the problem of water, it is simply solved by installing a refillable water tank to the sink.

Of course, cooking on a stove requires gas, but it’s not the only option available. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can use the most traditional way – fire. However, imagine this. You’re coming back from a hunt; you’re tired, it’s dark outside, and you’re freezing. Do you really want to waste more time and energy to get a hot fire?

So, to keep it simple, connect your stove to a propane tank. Put it beneath the cabin, on the ground, and support it with rocks. The dual regulator can also help you a lot because it gives you more space while fixing the tanks.

Related Article: Difference Between a Log Cabin and Brick House

Benefits Of Hunting Cabin

Next, for hunting storage, the most convenient option for you is storage containers. Also, don’t bring fine china, but paperware and some spices, which are best to store below the kitchen counter. Walls are also useable as a smart space, where you can hang chairs and a table (folding ones). Bring only what you’ll need and never forget TP!

Don’t forget how cold it gets in the woods and that you need to keep warm. You can get a heater and a generator, but keep in mind that even a small heater uses up an entire tank of gas for about 10 hours, which is barely enough for one night. If you’re going to stay for a longer period of time, especially during winter, you’re going to need more gas, which is getting more expensive each year.

Instead of dealing with all that, it may be better to get a wood stove. Since hunting cabins are quite small, they don’t need much heat. Learn how to use them correctly; keep an eye on the thermostat and keep them filled with wood.

Related Article: Are Log Homes Hard to Maintain?

How To Equip Your Hunting Cabin?

In a nutshell, a hunting room is one big room. You don’t need a bed, only a sleeping bag or a cot, which you can push up against the wall. Just like with beds, any other furniture is unnecessary, as it only takes up space and collects dust. However, if you feel like you need one, you can install an extra room for children. Keep in mind that this will take up more time and cost you more money.

If you’re going to install pipes for gas or water, do it below the cabin and insulate them. Also, build your hunting cabin around one ft above ground. Use breeze blocks as a sort of lift for the entire construction. It will keep off the animals and protect you from floods. Remember, the structure isn’t meant to have a perfect foundation since it won’t be used as often as a home.

You can get light in three different ways: through flashlights, fire, or kerosene lamps. There won’t be any electricity unless you decide to invest in a generator. So, supply yourself with matches, batteries and always have backups.

One of the worst things that can happen to you is getting stuck in the woods in the dark, miles away from civilization. Bring a first aid kit and try not to be lazy, check the condition of everything you’re going to need every once in a while. Medicine out of date, old bandages, or faulty batteries could be your worst enemy.

Hunting Cabin Hygiene Needs

As we’ve already mentioned, indoor plumbing isn’t necessary. Either build an outhouse or simply do your business in nature. If you’re going to stay for a longer period of time, set up a 5-gallon water bucket with a hose and create an outdoor shower.

Grey water is your friend, but be careful with it. Get a pipe long enough to funnel the water far away from the cabin. If not, it’s easy to get water damage which will easily ruin the place. Don’t worry about the environment, it’s only water, but keep in mind to use a safe, natural soap.

Always remember to clean. Food can clog your pipes and kids are messy. Accidents happen, lunches get thrown, it’s normal. Be careful with messes and open windows regularly and let in the air. Otherwise, in a blink, you’ll have squirrels, mice, and insects roaming around your stuff.

Related Article: How Log Cabins Were Built In the 1800’s?

Hunting Cabin Most Common Problems

Since the hunting cabin is in the woods, there will be wild animals. One of the most common visitors is mice, so be careful. Try leaving your cabin door open at all times. They won’t find it as appealing since they usually look for small, hidden places where they can build their nests.

Also, don’t use drywall and insulation, as it’s not necessary, and you will lose a part of that “wildlife”. It will give the mice exactly what they’re looking for – lots of hidden spaces for building nests.

Where there are pests, there are also predators. You’ll avoid that by regularly cleaning your cabin and the surrounding area, especially leftovers and anything else edible. That way, the space won’t be interesting to animals. 

Rotting is also a big, but preventable issue. Use treated wood, which is chemically treated against woodworms, termites, and other insects. Reclaimed wood is high quality, too, as well as left-over wood from you may have from other projects. This type of wood is made to endure any type of weather and last long.

However, you can’t fully escape bugs in the forest. Hang bug traps, and buy tiki torches which can be found at Walmart and other shops. Don’t forget the basics; such as bug repellants and creams.

If you have children, watch out for everything poisonous, as they somehow always end up there. A good strategic advance is having a lot of windows, which you can always take a peek at your little ones. But don’t be too harsh on them, let them have fun and run around, something they probably can’t do much at home.

Here is a Youtube video where you can see how a container hunting cabin looks.

Also, be sure to read How Much Does It Cost To Build A Log Cabin?

FAQ: People Also Ask

Final Thoughts

Even though a hunting cabin’s primary function is providing shelter, hunting cabins are a place for creating memories within many generations. And exactly that is the main point – everything else can be tailored to your wishes and ideas. If you prefer a small, one-room cabin, that’s fine. If you’re looking for something more decorated and elegant, that’s also okay. It is your hunting cabin and your vision! I hope that this article has helped you and if you have any additional questions feel free to ask!