Entering the woods-what time

[Nuts]

I am an early guy. Typically want to be settled in 1 hr before light. When we were in Maine we were not allowed to enter the woods till light. For me I am not hunting remote. Its farmland. Especially during the rut I want to be in the stand while the deer are still in the fields. I get near bedding and set up waiting for there return. How about you guys? I am also an all day sitter. Always.

 

[Greybeard]

I used to be a before light guy but it seemed I was always bumping deer that I should have been able to see if it were light. I realized that going in before light give the deer all the advantage. They can see me but I can't see them.
Now, I slowly stalk my way to my stand at first light. I can get in much quieter and possibly sneak up on deer that before I never would have even seen.

 

[recon6036]

I try to be settled in at least 30 minutes before first light while whitetail deer hunting.

 

[fulldraw]

We can legally shoot one half hour before sunrise so I always try to get in my stand one hour before sunrise. This gives me time to get settled in and get ready for a big boy! It has worked for me for years so I see no reason to change.

 

[Nick87]

I like early however there are times when I feel like going later is better not the from but I have done it in a few instances where it has worked out. I like to sit all day too. Especially from late October through mid December after that I usually dont hunt mornings too often.

 

[Rack Daniels]

I try to get up in the stand with AT LEAST 30 min before shooting light. I pack a climber in and out every time, so putting my little spinny bow/pack holding thingamajigs in and getting really settled takes a bit when trying to be quiet.. I’ve never actually done an ALL DAY sit in a tree and not sure that I could. I don’t use fall arrest systems I’d rather tuck and roll- call me crazy but I’m still young enough… I’d want to nap after a meal and no action and that parts too sketchy. Climb down and nap? Might as well pack ‘er up and come back for the evening sit…

 

[Nick87]

I’d rather tuck and roll- call me crazy but I’m still young enough… I

Most would say dumb, not crazy.

 

[Rack Daniels]

Most would say dumb, not crazy.

Til you lose a leg or worse from lack of circulation… I’ll take my chances.

Stupid extra straps and crap just more noise and more things that could literally MAKE you fall. I don’t need a harness to peak over a cliff edge.. part of the adventure. Adventure kills. Pick those chances wisely, I guess

 

[Nick87]

Til you lose a leg or worse from lack of circulation… I’ll take my chances.

I think you may of already had a few falls.

 

[Rack Daniels]

I’ll let you think you won this one partner…..

 

[F250]

Depends on the situation. Generally I like being all settled in at least 30 minutes before legal shooting time. This past season I had to walk along a clover field for about 1/2 mile to get stand overlooking a marsh . I waited until legal light and killed an 8 point buck before I got to the stand.

 

[WildWill]

It can definitely be situational. I would typically say i like to be sitting 30 minutes before shooting light. A hour is just to long I get bored staring at the dark quick. Much more likely to walk in in the light with a gun in my hand bow not so much.

 

[TN2shot07]

Depends…

If I’m going somewhere I’m familiar with, zero hesitation with going in an hour or so before sunrise. Once it gets to later season morning hunts are rare anyway, especially if I have to walk through a field.

I’ve taken a couple working my way in at gray light and man it’s easier/quieter to hang a stand not in the pitch black.

 

[DFS]

Situational is the correct answer.