Well from my exsperiences spotting deer from stands I prolly go off course from alot of people on the thread. Granted I grew up in WI where trees outnumber the 100+ acre fields, Now I live in MO. When cattle country dictates 90%+ open fields. In our area anyway. (North central, nearly on IA/MO border).
Anyway back to my point of veiw. When I was youger I sat and spoted from 30+ ft down to 10 ft, and attempted stalking. I belive I have been closer, and busted less on a 10 ft high pine branch we would "roost" on than 25+ over a prime water hole in good cover.
And since I have been in MO I have been closer to deer on ground (15 yds max other nite sitting on a doe and fawn for 45 mins. Wind was truely favorable.
So I placed my stand about 10-12 ft off the ground today. Openning day we'll see if my 10 pts hopes get busted. This buck, with 3 does. I was able to get within 40 yds on ground same nite as the doe/fawn pair.
Prior to gun season the deer seem, to what I feel, exstremely relaxed. After Gun season opens though the Uni style truck hunters get em jumpy. Maybe its luck, maybe the deer here are less skittish than ole WI deer. Either way time will tell since the bow doesn't have the range the 06 does.