HOW HIGH AND WHY?

[GOLDTIP]

just seeing how high everybody places treestands (fixed ones) cause everybody tells me I dont need to hunt as high as I do but I've never been busted ever while in a tree

[Roosterslayer]

Well i place almost all my portables 16-20 feet off the ground depending on the cover behind me to break up my outline, but during rifle season i have hunted out of built stands that are maybe 8-10 feet off the ground and also seen and taken deer. I place my stands high on public ground cause the deer seem to be aware they are being hunted all the time and never let their guard down. Also when bear hunting i dont think it really matters how high your stand is, the bear still know you are there.

[MnArch]

I generally go 12-14...a little nervous of heights. Haven't gotten picked off, but i'm careful with scent and very still. I like the advantage of a not-so-steep shot angle, since the trails where I hunt are pretty close to my stand trees.

[Mayfly]

I say go as high as you feel comfortable and are safe at. I usually use ladder stands that are anywhere from 10 - 14 feet high. As long as you use the wind, control your scent and hunt stiil and quiet you should be ok. Use any other branches or leaves as natural cover to help assist you.

[Joe]

I'd say on average most of my tree stands are around 12 feet. As mentioned above, playing the wind and keeping still are far more important than height. 

[luvnlife]

It just depends on the area. I like to get as high as I can. LUVNLIFE