Originally Posted by iSnipe

You let the area and situation dictate how high you go. I've purchased many climbers over the years and have had some great experiences using them. Nothing like sneaking into an area early for the first time, finding a hot spot and slowing start climbing and cutting limbs until you've reached your height. I've been as low as 5 foot and as high as 33'-35'. Most people don't even know their height and exaggerate how high they thought they were. You can have a rope to haul stuff up with and that can be your gauge if you know how long it is.

And as for what tree is better to climb, that's sort of non-sense to me. You get into the tree that best gets the job done, not because it's oak, pine, etc. By that I mean one that is in the better location and can hide your silhouette. Do not pick a tree because it seems like a good tree with enough cover. Pick a tree because of it's location in reference to where you see the sign.

As for asking about first time climbing experience, I was a professional tree climber and had already hung at least 75 stand locations before I went up a climber my first time, so the height was something I was already familiar with. Just keep doing it and eventually you will get more comfortable with the height. Do this, if you want to get higher; climb like you did before... to the point where you are uncomfortable like before, then climb another 1 to 2 feet and sit there.

While you are in your stand, stand up and turn around, etc. Get use to standing. It will help you faster to get acquainted with the height as well as prepare you for a situation where you will have to stand up.

I sure hope you are wearing a safety harness. If not, I won't say that makes you stupid, but it does make a person selfish because if they fell and got hurt, they will soon learn their life affects so many other people. And in that situation, mostly negatively.

Take care and good luck!

iSnipe