I staked out a pefect tree in a creek bottom where it gradually starts to ridgeline about 80 ft up on two directions. I bought two 16' climbing sticks. After the firts was us, and I was on top of that one placing the second one, I decided on only putting hlf on the top (8'). Thats pretty damn high, plus the hieght put me at a great cover spot.

The thermals are what bothers me, especially where Im going to hunt this stand. When Im standing on my stand, it appears that Im at about eye level with the start of the ridgeline, but if Im not high enough at that point, forgetaboutit.

I actually used the other 8 ft section on an old hanger today. 4 poplars were growing together and if you stood in the middle, you could rech up and start the stick about 6 '. With the help of some screw in steps, I got the stand at about 14-15 feet. I dont want to go higher because its their escape from bedding and Im in aout the tallest tree. I almost settledfor about 12 ft.