ORIGINAL: GMMAT
Interesting....I'v ealways (after trial and error) done what Jack does. I've gotten to stand a lot earlier than 2 hr shy of first light. I only do this in one spot......but that happens to be the spot I've killed my two best bucks (and I've had the last one go by me both in the dark and in the light of day.....and I still got him.....later).
I used to bump a lot of deer going in later. I even waited until AFTER light to go in there a few times....and that worked well.
I use a path to get in that they don't "usually" cross.....and I only go there on mornings when it's pretty cool....and I feel like my thermal/scent is going "up".
Like jack....if I'm wrong I'm wrong. I always thought it was hurting nothing....and I know I was less intrusive. I looked at it like getting to their house while they were AT LEAST an hour from home. What could be the harm?
I think the location in the woods your hunting makes a difference too on when you should be out there. I don't know about you guys but the moon plays a big part with me on when I get out in the morning weather it be early, later, or not going out at all sometimes. Full moon and mornings with me have been down right worthless.