RE: walking in dry leaves?
I know walking on dry leaves can be a pain when your trying to be quiet but some things can't be done no matter how hard you try.
It doesn't really matter what time you head out to your stand , it could under the cover of darkness in the early morning or midday.
Just try to watch your step and avoid those twigs that snap , you could try to move those leaves to the side as you walk but I know its harder than to just to get to the your stand .
Some hunters just don't care if they make noise and others want to be quiet as a church mouse.