We had an expanded SS platform with solid rails and a sling seat almost exactly 50' up on a huge Hickory tree. Actually, it was a few inches over. It was large, roomy and secure feeling stand we called The Penthouse. There was only 3 of us that would climb the 3/8" drill rod steps to get to it though. It overlooked a clearcut on the edge of Uchee Creek in Russell County and was a great spot to sit on a cold clear morning. I killed 6 bucks there the first season.
We also had three 30' homemade ladder stands and a 22' homemade tripod. They were all solid as well and most everybody would climb into those. We had about 700 acres and most of it was clearcut the year before I joined up. I still have one of the 30' ladders but it's not on a tree at this time.
I like to hunt as high as I can get, especially on the edge of large cuts where I can see down into it. There's also the thing about my scent being pretty diluted and distant before it reaches deer nose height. I've had countless deer come in close from downwind and never have a clue I'm there. I can only guess that if they smell me at all, the scent is so diluted that they think I'm long gone from the area.
