I make cheap ground blinds using $15 worth of camo and a few staples. The deer don't mind them and I have been successful using them. Still like my tree stands the best though.

I like getting as high as possible in a tree for several reasons. You can see a long way.. but this depends on the terrain of course. Your scent will carry over them if they are close. They wont notice your movements the higher you are.

If you are on the ground they might notice the slightest movement. I had a yearling see me in my stand and just stared at me. I was only 15 feet up. It did not think anything in a tree was a threat, so just sat down. Older deer get wise to hunters in trees, but the higher you go the less they will notice. Last year I was about 60 feet up and a buck comes along. I shot and missed him. He ran right under my tree and stopped.. then I got him. Never knew where I was.

When I am bow hunting I dont go as high because of the shooting angle.. otherwise I get as high as I can. I am using a climbing stand on public land.. and just carry it with me.

Keep in mind I used to be a tree surgeon.. so am comfortable with the heights.. and take plenty safety precautions.

No, you don't need a tree stand. I think these are more important for bow hunters who need to get within about 30 yards or less of the deer to have a good chance of success. At 150 yards with a rifle, who needs a tree stand? I personally prefer the freedom and spontaneity of selecting a ground blind as I find a good spot. Just locate yourself where the wind blows your scent away from where you expect the deer to show, sit in shadow, break up your outline by having ground cover in front of you, wear something to darken your face to keep it from flashing as you turn your head (the face is highly reflective and "flashes" --turns from light to dark -- as the head rotates) such as a camoflage face net. Sit very still, move slowly, don't make noise.

Taking big bucks may be more demanding and may lead to tree stands, but for other deer ground blinds are effective.