robmack57;
I' ve been deer hunting on state/public land since 1968. I hunt away from where most hunters are so I have never worried about being shot at. To play it safe, I also always wear a hunter orange hat and vest. Most hunters stay close to their car, so you can figure where they will be.
I used to use a tree stand but I' ve had just as much luck(or no luck) on the ground. Carrying a climbing tree stand and a full days food and gear gets old after a while plus its easier to relocate your stand location when your on the ground.
As far as still hunting, It' s been my experience that after the shooting starts the deer head for thick cover. During mid-day they may brouse along the heavy cover where they can jump to safety quickly. I slowly travel along these edges and try to spot the deer before it spots me. If you scare off the squirrels then your moving too fast.