It all depends on the terrain and what kindof tree. I have killed deer from o feet on the ground to 20 feet. I actually hung a stand last weekend in a nasty thick pine tree about 10 to 15, its real flat and the tree has a ton of cover.I also hung one about 20ft for that there is alot of elvevation change in this area and im in a pine with not alot of branches. It all depends on the situation.