I used to go in super early like you and Gman germ but I found I was bumping to many bucks who were heading back to thier bedding area under darkness. I prefer afternoons in the early season and usually sit about 4 hours with the first three twiteling my thumbs.

Once bucks get the bug I get there about 1/2hour before first light and sit well past noon many times. I always go in very slow on afternnoon hunts. Several times I have happened up on bucks making scrapes and moving about. Nothing like dropping a nice buck before you even get to your stand.