I know they say a tree stand is the most effective way to hunt, but I've killed more deer/hogs still hunting than sitting in a tree. IMHO the secret is to go slow - take one or two steps, then stop & look for 30 seconds. Squirrels are not silent in the woods. They take a few noisey hops, then stop - then they hop around again then stop. Make yourself sound like a squirrel. Take a few quick steps then STOP - & look for a minute. It's surprising how close you can get to animals as long as the noise they hear from you is "normal".