I used a popup ground blind yesterday. I had it in place approx. 1 hour before daylight. Here's some thoughts from that experience.
1. Leaves- you will have to move leaves from inside your blind. Very hard to do quietly so I would recommend that you do it beforehand.
2. Don't stake it down if possible. It was pitch clack when I got in it. When daylight came my view wasn't the best. I simply pushed up fin the middle and rotated it.
3. Put it up for a few days before using it.
4. Practice taking it down, If it's a popup blind, this is the hardest part.
5. wear black, not camo
I'm anxious to see what success I have with mine this year too