Since I started deer hunting way back in 1962, I have hunted on the ground as well as in some sort of a tree stand. My first buck (1963) and the nice buck I posted here earlier this season were both taken from a "brush blind". In fact it was not until about 1975 that I started hunting off the ground. I prefer hunting from a tree stand and do so probably 75% of the time ... wearing a harness I will add. One big disadvantage to "stump sitting" is there is a real premium on the wind direction. Not that wind direction can be ignored, even 30' off the ground o0r in a 16' elevated shooting house. Wind currents always matter.
I was sort of skeptical of these so called "portable" ground blinds, but after having used one for the past 4 seasons, these are a really good option. Not that I'd want to hike in 5 miles toting one !!