i do alot of stalking, wind is one of the big things. and scent a close second as stated above. if you can, go when it a bit breazy, dew on the ground, rain. anything that will make you quiet. take a few steps very slowly and look and listen. if you see a doe, there is more than likely another one around. if in rut, there will be a buck close. just w a i t. stay behind something that will keep you covered, blend in. i have never killed anything from a stand but have gotten all of mine from the ground. at first i had ALOT of butt shots. but now i am up to useing a bow and doing quite well. it's still very hard to stalk i may have killed more if i had stayed in a stand but it's just not for me.

hope this helps.
glyn