RE: PA natives, Question..
I like to hunt hard the first week due to the pressue that comes in later days here in central PA. I must admit that I've seen better bucks hunting the rut, but more hunters occupy the smaller tracts of ground that otherwise are left undisturbed early on in the season. More ground gets posted each year which plays into my reasoning a bit too.
Wishful thinking on my part, hoping to catch Mr. Big head in a good mood on day one. At least 5 other people aren't bumping him around the same woodlot. After a year off, I'm good and ready to get back in the woods, even if my chances at the big'uns is a bit less.