Wayne, I've used hay bales when I was using aluminums, but I don't dare shoot a carbon at a bale now. I hate ripping bales apart to find my arrow, if it were for some reason not to blow completely through a bale.
As far as using something other than a metal pipe to stop arrows, I generally make an effort to use my "Block" target or something of similar consistency. I just thought I would sacrifice $15 for the sake of knowledge for my fellow hunters in case they were to pursue the wiley chain-linked fencetail. You believe that one if you want to. That's my story.
As far as stands go, I don't have a problem using climbers. I'll likely bring my Ol'man with me when I come, but feel free to hang stands anywhere you think a deer will walk by. Don't go to any extra trouble for me to have a treestand. If you don't mind me pruning some limbs, I'll make a good tree.