Well first of all... I really hunt mostly out of a hang on stand... But from time to time, like opening day of rifle season I will hunt out of a climber sometimes... But no matter what kind of stand you use... If it's a decent one... It should be fine on a wet tree... The tree step idea is a pretty good Idea... I did that back in the early 80's when I use to hunt with the Baker/death trap treestand