Well first off welcome to the huntingnet[:-] I haven' t hunted from a stand yet but i have had a few run-ins with rattlersnakes out here. The one that stands out in my mind the most was when i was dove hunting. I downed a dove that landed in a field (just weeds, brush, tumbleweeds) so i went to get it and i always take my gun with me. When i found the dove i heard the tale-tail (quite literally) sound of one p' d rattler. I stopped and looked around and saw it about 3 feet away from my left side. Happy for me i had my gun pointing already in its direction so i was able to shoot it without moving. After i jumped back i shot it two more times and i dont know if it was dead or just nerves but it was still moving. I always carry my 7 inch hunting knife that my dad gave to me when hunting. I stood on the back just below the head and cut it off. I pulled it off the ground and it was close to 6 foot which is the biggest rattler i have ever seen. Before i did that other hunters who were further down the canal i was at couldn' t tell what i was doing before i pulled out the snake.