Ladder stand tips

[Northwoods]

I usually place my stands in locations where I am very hidden, such as a big spruce tree. Yesterday I was scouting the side of a nice ridge that I will rifle hunt during the rut. The ridge is all maples and pretty open. Great for visibility but I will also be very visible up in a tree. Anyone have any tips for this kind of setup? I can think of 3 options.
1. Sit high and hope I can get a shot before I’m spotted.
2. Sit on the ground at the base of a tree, I’ll be hidden but scent will be an issue.
3. Place my stand a bit off the ridge where I would be much more concealed, but way easier for a buck to cruise past me without me seeing him.
I’d appreciate any thoughts, tips, or advice.

 

[Treeshark]

For a rifle stand, #1 and I wouldn’t worry all that much about how high you get. Much different than a bow stand IMO.

 

[witski65]

Have you seen the concealment wraps they sell? they work pretty good.

 

[Nick87]

Can you find a tree that has a bug split in it relatively the same as your stand height? Or if youre fairly confident in where the deer will be could you set up on the backside of the tree. I usually prefer it that way anyhow.

 

[Steiny77]

I like to set ladder stands in big multi trunked trees or where a couple big trees are really close together to help hide the hunter.
If you are silhouetted on a skinny tree it's gonna be tough to get a bow shot. Shouldn't make much difference with a firearm.

 

[Deez Nutz]

Once I killed a bull elk with a bow from a self climber on a power pole. If that says anything about needing cover...