Now safety issues here as well. I pour cement pillars to start with. I have a jig that sits on them. I lean each 16' 4x4 on the tractor bucket and easily lift it into place on the pillar. It is still leaning on the bucket when I secure it to the jig. I have already leveled the site so standing on a step ladder to bolt the header boards in place is quite safe. I just put screws in the posts at the appropriate height and set the header boards in place. I screw them in and then bolt them in place. Next are the floor joists that go on top of the header boards. By the time the 2 end joists are in place and screwed into the posts, it is quite stable and the jig is removed.
The jig is just 6x6s that lock together to form a frame. Each 6x6 has a long 2x4 on top with a pivot point at one end. The pivot up and temporarily screw into the 4x4s for bracing until the structure is locked down.
I have a second jig I use to mark the spots to auger holes for the posts. It is a safe one man operation. The hardest part is installing the siding panels with one guy. Again, I put temporary screws part way in the posts and then use the tractor bucket or excavator arm to life the panels up. I then set each end on a screw and then screw them to the 4x4s. I have no 2x4 framing at all in mine. Just floor and ceiling joists. The walls are just panels screwed to the four 4x4 posts. I run 2x4s between the posts below and above where I want windows. This may vary from side to side of the blind depending on the elevation and vegetation surrounding the blind. It has been a very safe one man operation.
I also use some millennium ladder stands. I find it more dangerous by far, even with my jig for that, to put them up with one person than to build an elevated blind. I am blessed to have the tractor and excavator.
Another trick I use when working at height on a ladder is to use the tractor bucket or excavator bucket with the arm raised to prop a ladder against. I find this much safer than putting a ladder against a tree. I've been building these box blinds for quite a few years. I've built them 8'x8', 8'x6', 6'x6' and varying heights from about 10' of elevation to 20'. I find the 8x8 was just wasted space. I like the 8x6 for taking a kid or new hunter. I find the 6x6 are sufficient for hunting by myself.
Thanks,
Jack