A tree stand is not " all purpose," as a ground blind is not " all purpose." Select the right tool to do the job.

If the location permits, I prefer the ground blind over the tree stand. Sometimes the ground blind might mean having a tree stand 24" to 36" off the deck.

Although I always have at least 4 tree-stands up, I have made kills off from the ground, and for the last few years most of my kills have been made from the ground. Apart from sometimes hanging a strip of slotted camo cloth in front of my position, I always use natural cover.