I think the question would be more like "How soon do I put my stand near an active trail?" If you have a permanant stand built that the deer have become used to I would say you could put it dang near on it,but then you would have too close of a shot. If you put up a new stand not far from the season I would go no less than 40 yards. Even if bow season is in a 40 yard shot is a bit of a stretch and deer dont always stick to the trail I've found. Sometimes they will meander closer or further from your location and it may work to your advantage. Put it in very early and then check those cam pics frequently to see if deer pass close by the stand or shy away.