You asked for tips for hunting from a tree stand, from your address-St Louis, Mo. I can' t tell if you are living in the city or country. Either way, take the stand that you will be using in deer season and set it up in your back yard or a friends back yard or at a club, etc., etc. Start at 4-5 feet off the ground wearing the harness that you will be wearing during the season. Set a target or better a 3-D deer in different positions at different distances. Shoot from standing position and from sitting position, move higher in the tree and continue. Get familiar and comfortable with the stand you will be using. You should be doing this all summer long before the season starts. Before the season scout the area you will be hunting and know where and how your stand will be hung. I agree - Don' t let price be a factor in safety equipment. I would much rather hunt from the ground than from a marginal tree stand.