Wait until the animal is looking the other way or has its head behind a tree to get your bow or gun into shooting position. Shadow is your friend when stand-hunting. Never set up so the sun is in your face. The north side of a tree will keep you in some part of the trunk's shadow all day long. For maximum concealment, try a tree with multiple trunks or two trees growing close together.
More hunters fall from tree stands when climbing or descending than when sitting in the stand.
Wear your safety harness from the time you start up the tree until you are back on the ground again.