While it's nice to scout all spring and have trail cameras out all summer, there is something to be said for the element of suprise.

I believe the first time in a stand is your best chance for killing a nice buck. Every time you hunt that stand after that, your chances decrease. That's why I like to hunt "naked" as you call it. Find the sign, and set up over it and hunt it RIGHT NOW.

That's why I like the Lone Wolf sticks / tree saddle combo on public land.