I have had most of my luck when sitting 20 feet above the forest floor. Keeping my scent above the ground is the key. I have never hunted from a ground blind, but have still hunted on the ground when the situation dictates, usually during inclement weather. To me, it sometimes comes down to a game of chess when hunting whitetails. I hunt in areas with relative low deer numbers (less than 10 deer/square mile) and there are many days I do not even see deer. I never want to give the deer any advantage then he already has. My game plan is very simple, I gotta see the deer before he see me, or knows I'm there. Personally, hunting high gives me a slight advantage. Also, seeing deer that I do not want to shoot, or cannot shoot, walking by my treestand, is a very special treat indeed.