First year in the saddle for me, with a 64" stick bow. I hunted off the top of my climbing stick. I hunted 45 days straight (November - December rut). It was a real challenge. First day out I had a buck at 12 yards, and tried to draw my bow 4 times, and kept hitting the tree (canted bow).
You can hide behind the tree, but you cannot shoot from behind the tree (canted bow). You can attempt to move around to the front of the tree and not get busted, or hope the deer walks past you and you can shoot on your strong or weak side.
It was quite a puzzle to try to solve in order to shoot a stick bow. Which side of the tree to use (strong side - weak side shots), wind direction, anticipated deer travel direction(s), leaning trees, etc.
As luck would have it, on Dec 14 the wind was blowing 40 mph. My tree was swinging in circles. I knew I would never be able to make the shot, so the goal was to get down safely, and I did. There was an hour of daylight left, so I sat on the ground next to the tree, and killed a 3 1/2 year old buck at 15 yds. Go figure.
A traditional tree stand is far easier to shoot a stick bow from, but I am absolutely sold on tree saddles. Staying hid behind the tree allows me to get shots < 15 yards. I agree that a large platform on the "back" of the tree will help (strong side - weak side shots). I am also going to position my stick on the strong side of my platform to use to get to the front of the tree.
I cannot wait for next year.