i think rob hit on the head deer eat and breed, travel corridors and natural funnels are ideal. as far what stand to use that is really your own opinion. how much weight you are willing to hump around and how deep you wanna go. if you own your ground its my opinoin nothing beats the big platforms of a permenant stand. if not, im partial to climbing stands, and as far as picking a tree, like gutshot said back cover and stay off ridge lines, but remember the grass is always greener on the other side. theres always gonna be a better tree 30 yards from where you hung your stand. i try hard not to second guess my choice of tree. if its not the right tree i know i can move it tomorrow. its really all about spending time in the woods, the more time you spend the better you will know. i have just moved and i am hunting all new territory, so im sure ill get my workout moving stands. good luck with it,there is plenty of time to scout in the off season.