i thought that i was hunting at around 15' but when i got a climbing stick that was 17' i got in the stand and felt too low. i now use a rope thats 22' i go up until it gets tight or close to it. if im in the open i attach my pack to the bottom of the stand so that the stand is at about 24' when the rope is tight.

it all should depend on background cover and where you are comfortable. ive killed deer from 8ft of the ground a few times but that spot has really thick cover and im backgrounded by two pines in my tree. really just find your comfort zone and what hides you best. remeber the higher you go the tougher close shots get.