15 feet with backing is good. Food sources can and do produce deer but I prefer to hunt on the trails leading from beds to breakfeast. Put yourself somewhere inbetween where they are and where they are going, think safety(ie:cover, ridges.etc - where deer movements will be concealed by the landscape) when picking a spot to set up a stand this will max your odds of seeing game during hunting hours. Make sure you know the direction of the animals and how it pertains to the wind direction (perdominant & daily). Keep the wind blowing away from the animals(on your nose or cheek).