I've used a ladder stand for years. Just last year I switched to a climber because I hated dragging that heavy thing in and out of the woods. If anyone tells you a ladder stand has never spooked a deer, they are lying. If someone came into your house while you were out and put up something that wasn't there before, you'd notice it. Not all or every deer is spooked by ladder stands but the most important thing about using them is this...be sure you put them up as soon as you can before you use them. If you put one up the day before you use it, you will see less deer than if you had put it up a couple weeks before the season started. This gives the deer time to acclimate themselves to the stand and become at least somewhat more comfortable with it. Camo it as best you can before letting it set. One more thing...I think ladder stands are the safest stand there is except for ground blinds.