All depends on where you set up. If the trees are all tall with no lower branches and a high canopy, you'll need to go high 20' or more. Most of my stands are 12-15 since there are a lot of cedars and if you were up high you would'nt even see the gtound! Also I hunt in suburban Chicago right behind my home and nobody else does or ever did the deer literally do not look up! Any place with high pressure and the deer will be schooled to look up!