Depending on how big the pine thicket is I would say, go for it. If it's very thick and secluded the deer will be used tobeing there and may come eat in the clearing at any time of the day. The size would be up to you and what you are using it for. Just bowhunting: I would make it a little smaller than if be used for rifle. Rifle: 100ydsx100yds depending how big the pine thicket is. What I'm thinking is that you would want to cover the majority ofit from one stand. Just a thought, we have one very similar to your situation and we cleared about 100ydsx100yds and planted some white clover in it. Our thicket is probably 400ydsx400yds though and the deer feel so safe in there they will come out and feed all day long and even lay down in the clover because the field is so secluded. A lot of hard work, but worth every bead of sweat on your forehead!