VortecXt2000,
There is nothing in the rules to prevent you from looking at the target from multiple angles to judge your yardage, even after you have touched the stake. As you have noted, approaching the stake would obviously be a no-no. Keep in mind however, this does not change the time requirement to judge and get the shot off. I point this out because I have talked with people who felt that as long as they were not touching the stake the clock was not running. They were wrong.