As most have already said, its not a must but in some instances it is very nice. I like to gun hunt (I only usea ML) from the ground. But bow hunting is a lot easier from a tree. Climbing stands are the way to go but are more expensive to buy. The advantage is that you can just climb any tree you want and don't have to prepare by hauling everything in ahead of time. Plus if the wind is wrong you just climb down and climb up another tree. Everyone has their preferences but those are my $0.02