I try to be in the stand about 1/2 hour before the first light of the day.


It seems to take me about 15 minutes to get cooled down from walking in, and so I still have time to put my outer layers on after cooling down, and while it is still dark.

Then while I sit for the final 15 minutes or so before light, I am able to "get in touch" with nature, as it allows me to better concentrate.

THe only time I don't do this, is when I am hunting from a climber or hunting a stand that is very difficult to get to. Then I just wait for first light, and begin my entry into the woods. (I feel safer using a climber when there is light)

I always wait until it's light enough for me to see before I leave. I use a climber so I need to be able to see so that the set up goes smoother.

Between 30 and 20 minutes

I'm a firm believer in being on my Lone Wolf no less than an hour before first light.Hence the username. It takes about a half hour to get to my stand so I allow plenty of time for the woods to settle down. Also moving in the dark helps not getting busted because a deer may hear you but wont nesseserily see you.

30 minutes before shooting time, or one hour before sunrise.