This is only my third season hunting, and you definitely don't need the treestand. I got one when I first started out. I used it and still use it, but an injury keeps me from sitting in it too long. I wound up hunting from the ground using blinds made from brush and available cover as well as spot and stalk. I took my first one last year from the ground and I have seen more deer hunting from the ground than I have from the stand. I hunted every day this week from the ground and saw animals every day but today. This may have to do with my being able to hunt longer on the ground than in the stand. I also gave up on watching those hunting shows, if you notice they always seem to be hunting on game ranches. I don't have a game ranch. Good luck!