who enters their stand before sunrise/in the dark?

[Justin Falon]

I know that it is impossible to argue with Roger Rothhaar and his success on huge bucks. Who enters his/her stand under the cover of darkness?? I did for years and I know I may have spooked some deer but have a very unique situation and have been thinking more and more about this.

[RedShaft]

What are you thinking?

I do both. Just depends on my mood.

 I really would like to read that book!

[ChuckC]

I don't, I prefer to go in when it is just light enough to make my way with no flashlight.

Lots of others on this site do though.

ChuckC

[jonsimoneau]

Uncle Barry does!  And I even heard he shot a big buck or two!

[Steve in Canton]

I am usually in my stand an hour before shooting time.  I never use a flashlight.

[David Bartholomew]

Me!  And then, when I'm lazy... I'll go in later in the day.

[ron w]

This morning I went in 40 minutes before daylight. Needed a headlamp part way so I didn't break my neck....lol! Most time I don't get early of a start. Funny because I see most of my deer sightings from 7:45- 10:45.

[centaur]

Originally posted by Steve in Canton:
I am usually in my stand an hour before shooting time.  I never use a flashlight.

x2

[ISP 5353]

If I am going to hunt a morning stand, I usually try to be in it before sunrise.  Each situation may be different and dictate a different approach though.  I shot my biggest buck 7 minutes after legal shooting light and I had been in the stand for half an hour that day.

[Matthew Bolton]

I like to get in the tree 20-30 minutes before daylight. It makes me feel better to let the woods calm down for a bit before daylight. Also most of the deer vocalizations I hear come pre-dawn.

[LB_hntr]

Im always in stand beofre shooting light and dont get down until after dark.

I hunt state land so i always use a headlamp even if its not fully dark. I do this a safety precaution so i dont get mistaken for a deer from another hunter. also dont want a sharp stick in the eye.

[buckeyebowhunter]

Originally posted by Matthew Bolton:
I like to get in the tree 20-30 minutes before daylight. It makes me feel better to let the woods calm down for a bit before daylight. Also most of the deer vocalizations I hear come pre-dawn.

Me too, I also have to change my socks and my under shirt when I get climbed into my stand because I sweat so much. If not im sitting in damp clothes and that makes for a long cold sit.

[LimBender]

I can see some reasons why it may not always be best, but as a rule seems better for me to get settled well prior to shooting hours.  It's also nice because it is so dang calm and you can tap into your hearing with no squirrels and birds.

Time change almost here = early rising!

[VictoryHunter]

Yep, always!

[edge2009]

I as well get into the stand early. I like at least a good hour, anything less I start to doubt the spot and the idea of spooking deer on the way in. Reality, more times then I like I run a little late, but still always arrive before daylight.

Why would you wait until daylight? I've never heard/read reasons
not too

[Car54]

1 hour to 45 mins before light.  Heck I thought everybody did this. LOL

[joe ashton]

I try to time it so that I am in the stand 15 minutes before shooting light.
But ground hunting I start walking at first legal light.

[awbowman]

Originally posted by centaur:
 

Originally posted by Steve in Canton:
I am usually in my stand an hour before shooting time.  I never use a flashlight.

x2 [/b]

X3

[Walt Francis]

As Uncle Barry says, better an hour early then one minute late.

Jake,
Roger says in his first book that he likes to hunt his way into his stand at first light.  It's hard to argue with his success.

[edge2009]

Originally posted by Walt Francis:
As Uncle Barry says, better an hour early then one minute late.

Jake,
Roger says in his first book that he likes to hunt his way into his stand at first light.  It's hard to argue with his success.

Hmm, I'm way behind the eight ball here. Never heard of him or his books. Let me do some research and ill chime in later... Lol