It just depends on the tree and surrounding cover.... Unless I'm in a climber, which I rarely use other than a scouting mission or quick adjustment, i set my stands with good cover. I normally use ladders, and they are all 16' to 20' to the platform. I put them on trees with limbs or other trees to break up my outline. No way I'd climb higher than that, and doing so simply reduces your kill zone....
I go up to 30. Past 30 the tow rope and lifeline are out of reach. I go as high as i need to get decent cover. I have one stand it's probably only 8' up. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
20-25' is the norm for me...I feel like you can get away with a lot more in regards to wind and movement 20' + than 15-20'. Plus on my farm that seems to be the sweet spot of age of the woods with the large canopy trees and understory...You can hang em at 15' or at 25' for good visibility and shooting. Try to hang them at 15-20' and your visibility sucks without major branch trimming. I choose 25'
For me, it depends on the tree's cover. It also depends on what type of tree you setup on, also! Here, in TX, there are plentiful of Pine trees in my hunting areas. The canopy/cover could be at least 20'+ ft up. So, in other words, if the trees branches are lower, trim less, helping in cover. I find if, the cover is higher than i like, I find a tree(s) that has more background coverage, to help with the lower height issue. My #1 tree stand is about 15-17ft, but i put in a cluster of 3 pine trees close in proximity, to help with the background.
It depends. If it's northwoods, I'd only carry 3 climbing sticks due to a lack of tall trees. But if it's hill country, I'd bring 4 sticks for public land. On my private access lands I'd use 5 sticks on most of my perminant stands, 4 if I don't feel comfortable sitting cricket on my stand
