I built one on my buddy's farm (in Western NY) 21 years ago, and it's still in great shape (although there have been periodic repairs made to it, along with annual pruning)! I used pressure treated lumber and stainless steel hardware, and so far the maple tree it's in has been no worse for wear. I have three stainlessscrew-in steps at various intervals and also rely on limbs for climbing up (about 22'). Ihave mesh around the rails, spray-paintedwith a "skyline" pattern. Many deer (bucks and does of all ages) have been taken from it with both shotgun and bow, including a 148 and a 142 P&Y (although, unfortunately not by me). None of the deer seem to pay it any attention, but that is probably because only a handful of people have been invited to hunt there, and they are careful not to screw up a good thing! It's situated where the corners of two fields(oats/alfalfa and corn, diagonal from one another), and hardwoods and sumacsmeet, with an old, dried up stream that allows deer to cross the seemingly open field, 300 yards to more hardwoods (and another permanent stand), about 35 yards south. When you hunt the rut you always see deer (though with a bow you may not get a shot opportunity). The best part is that all it costs me to hunt there is a few cases of beer (and I work at a brewery).