RE: hang on stands
hvyhitter got it pretty good, but i'll throw in some tips, anyway. IF you are using screw-ins, try them out before you go so that way you know what you are in for. you might want to take a cordless drill, or a wrench for added leverage. a climbing stick is also an option, but i've never had one. i used to try to 'conserve steps' by making the gaps in-between them rediculously large...not the thing to do. i've also used 2x4's for the first 2 steps. As much i am against being 'safe'<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> you really should use some time of fall restraint during the screw-in process, i've even leaned back with my arms off the tree for some rest.
take some kind of saw for limbs, and maybe a hand pruner for the small stuff( a 2 ft bow saw is stupid to use on twigs) And make sure the stand is comfortable, sit in it for a while after it is hung, you don't want a knot in the tree sticking you in the back all day long.
sometimes i dont see how guys can take a hang on with them everytime thay go.
hope this helps.