I personally prefer a blind to tree stands for elk and heres why...
A. I have been successful, in part due to....
B. It helps to be a little mobile (I shoot archery)...sometimes I have to move a little up or down hill to get a shot off....
C. If I have to take a whiz, I can just scurry off somewhere and do it.
D. It doesnt have to be anything special blind wise, just some local pine branches and some cover has worked fine for me.
The tree stand I have is a climber (meaning no ladder, but you climb with the seat as you go up). Seems to be more a hassle (and noisy) than much else> I wouldnt mind trying it for predator calling some thick areas, getting above the brush, but have yet to lug it out into the woods for that. Best of luck to you!