I am a firm Believer in hunting in the first layer of growth, AKA right around 12-20 ft depending on the area. I have a stand that is only 8 ft tall. I think that as leaves fall, u start to lose your backdrop. I trust my camo, but when there is no background for it to work with, (aka THE SKY) it cant really do its magic! I am rarely busted by deer....But that could just be an NE ohio thing