Its never too early, the first day after the season is the first day of scouting season. That being said, if I want get in to the core area I do it early. We stay out of their core areas from early summer through the fall. If we do go in later on, we make sure the wind is good so we dont contaminate the whole area and also try and just peek in from the edges. The deer need their sanctuary area where they feel safe in the fall.