Not all blacktail habitat is brushy and thick to the point that you couldn't use a tree stand. I'd keep em, cause you can use em for elk on both side of the mountain not to mention muleys and whitetail. I know people who use em for blacktail on the west side. you'd be surprised at how well you see into brush when elevated. Good luck when you get back to Ft Lewis, the fort has some dandy blacktail bucks on post hunting grounds.