Define "winging it". There is a HUGE difference between walking in the woods and say I am going to sit here for good reason, or walking into the woods looking for specific keys & conditions to good stand placement.

You obviously know the land a little in order to get to the stand locations. Have you given any thought to why the stands are where they are? Pick stands based on how the wind is blowing that day, and consider the conditions. If a stand is by an acorn flat and they are dropping, that might be a good one to try.

you can also hunt while you scout. Instead of picking a stand blindly, sneak around using the wind and see what's going on. Go slow and pay attention, you could get close for a shot.

A lot can be gained from just a little time in the woods if you think it out and look for specific items.

In my first year of hunting I just put up 3 stands on different trails and paid no attention to the wind. I did get lucky a couple of times though. I think to be a successful hunter you have to be conscious of the wind at all times and do a little scouting IMO.

I may be winging it more this year. Rehab-ing an injury may force my hand. Being strong willed my mind thinks I'll be fine by season opening. I have a couple ladder stands that I can use and I honestly believe I'll be able to get into them. A climber which is my favorite method, may be iffy. There's no way of knowing at this point.

If I have to go the route of a ground blind, which I've never used, may be a learning process, can I even get to where I'd want to go??

I've had success off the ground (without a blind) Killed my first bow buck off the ground at 18 yards. Andin 2004while on the ground I messed up an opportunity at a book buck (estimate 150+ class)when he got to less than8 yards from me, walking the ONLY way he could, without me seeing him until he was literally point blank! An encounter that still makes me pause and reflect with utter awww.

So yeah I'll be winging it, in many ways. I put a new muzzy 0 effect rest on my bow and haven't shot arrow 1 yet with it on. I just can't do what I need to do to prepare.

I'm not boo-hooing over it, the cards are dealt, most of us got into this for more of a challenge. It's just the unknowing that makes the run up to this season, mentally tough. I know one, thing I'll be extra hungry next year and I think if you have the same mind-set you will be too! Good luck!