I too enjoy brushing my stands! i take pride in it! And too the fake Christmas trees, BURN THEM. lol jk. but seriously, Ashe County (were i live) is the capital of the world for Christmas tree growing. I have spent my whole life growing and selling them. So i take offense to fake trees!! Just kidding, but on a serious note, get real!    

In response to Butchie, the Big Dog Bluetick's platform goes all the way to the tree and has a flip-up seat.  Very solid stand, dead quiet, and inexpensive.

I'll brush in most any stand to help conceal me in the stand.  As long as the ladder and rungs are a dark enuf color, I haven't noticed deer to pay any attention.  I have seen them notice a stand that had faded to a light gray; really stood out in the woods.  I believe resident deer get used to it, but a new deer that is looking around will pick it out.  Some flat paint or primer can fix it.

Yes, Butchie, there are some ladder stands that go back to the tree.  Terry mentioined one and there are others.  Rivers Edge makes at least a couple.  They cost more, but are worth it.  I won't have a stand that the seat doesn't fold so I can back up to the tree.

Thanks guys.  I've looked at RE and it seems they are going away from the older style ones where the platform extends to the tree.  I will check out Big Dog.

Here are some pics of brushed in stands.  This is a big RE stand.  The branches come out enuf to provide cover front or behind for deer coming from either side.  Yes, we can shoot easily from these stands.

The Poacher's Stand


Couple of hang-ons:

Sweet Gum Ridge


Middle Earth


I just bought a new RE with a full platform.  There are lots of the shorties made cause they are cheaper.  I'll check some mfg sites and see what I find.  This is a good time to find them on sale, too.