My family of Bowhunters-born raised N.W. Ill. & Me now in N.E. Iowa have Bowhunted MAny years-me going on 53 this year. I took 2 Whitetails at 12 feet last year, 1 at 10 the year b/4 & another at 15 feet. Brother killed nice Buck at 12 last year.
We never worry after we get above 10 feet & we have actually killed several deer at 7-8 feet out of natural tree limb stands in years past.
I have had many Bucks & yearlings pass my stands that I did not shoot at from 15 yds & less. I had one small Buck pass my stand last year at 5 yds & I filmed him & another small Buck fight at 25 yds & my stand is barley 12 feet.
We just move slow when we spot a Deer & my brother & I shoot sitting down. No need to stand up. I've Bowhunted in the South & I am actually uncomforatable at that 20' Mark or more, but I've killed deer there to. I Bowhunt hogs in Tx. & Ok. with about 15 or so killed out of 15' ladder stands. I guess it's what you feel comfortable with. OH, ALL DEER LOOK UP even in ILLINOIS & IOWA.