here in PA. the deer walk around looking up in the tree' s for danger so I try to get between 18 and 22ft. if the area I want to hunt doesnt have a tree that will allow me to get that high, I will settle for a tree that allow' s me to get atleast 15 ft. up if it has good cover to break up my outline, If I cant get 15 ft. I will opt for a ground blind. Pike