I like to go for a weekend before season and sit in the stand at least one evening. It kinda gets me pumped for opening day. I don't worry about spooking the deer too much.. the deer in my area seem to be so relaxed in early september and really don't get to spooky until the first gun shots of muzzleloader season. I take the same precautions with scent control as i do when I'm actually hunting. There's nothing wrong with a little pre-season photography if you are careful.