I have used 'climbing stands' for most of my bow hunting. But as I age... (I am 68) I have found that it is a bit easier to just sit quietly in a comfortable camo chair in a 'bush patch' or natural blind... if you have the ability to sit very still and quiet for longer periods of time... you would be surprised how effective that can be... I also use a bipod or a monopod to support my crossbow... I wear full camo... and remain very still... ears tell it all... move eyes, not head... you guys know the drill... ground blinds are good if you tend to move a bit... tree stands are of course great cause you are usually above the scent line but IMHO, movement is often just as important as scent... you are certainly safer on the ground but I think tree stands may be a bit more productive simply by virtue of line of sight that deer tend to use... but of course, they do look up... but not all the time... stay on the ground, wear a good brand of camo, sit still and don't wash your clothes or your body in "Irish Spring"
and most important, practice with your Excalibur.
Tell ya something that has done wonders for me... regardless of whether you use a tree or the ground.... take a couple of fresh apples with you... eat one every hour or so and throw the core away from your stand... you may be surprised
at what comes in on that..... no, I don't think that is baiting... you just ate the apple........
... and stay the hell away from using "skunk scent"... skunks spray when they are alarmed and that is an alarm to all other animals... including the deer your hunting.... just my advice....
