Time in depends on several things including, where you live, where you're hunting, set up, other hunters etc. I tell you, it sure sounds like you're walking across the field the deer are in and probably running them out. Here in Maryland you have to be in your settled in yourtree by around 6 or a few minutes sooner to let things quiet down. In upstate NY right now 6:30 would be fine. I used to be like Chuck7 and be settled an hour before daylight. You can't see to shoot well until close to 7. In most cases that's not necessary. I find I'd rather arrive and settle a few minutes to a half hour before first gloom. I still get to watch the world wake up and I'm fresher and more alert. On the other end, on afternoon hunts I used to sit in the stand until I couldn't see my feet. After a lot of years I decided that's past legal shooting time. If I can't see my pins clearly my chances of making a good shot are less. There are other days. I now climb down when I can still see to pack up my stand with some fading light.