RE: Gun hunter, going to try crossbow. Help please?
Arthor P has the best link to quality crossbows. If you can't spend enough time to practice with a compound bow, then a crossbow is going to be a better choice for you. That said I really think you would enjoy a compound bow much more and get more out of the sport. I know crossbows are legal in Ohio, so that's not an issue.
As for treestands I have one word SUMMIT. In my opinion they make some of the finest tree stands on the market, and as far as climbers go they are tops. They combine safe, stable, quiet comfort in one neat package. Take a look at the viper and Goliath stands. These are two of my favorites.