my question is how close to the season do you put your stand up...i am thinking maybe a month before..but,i wanted to see how some of you do it....ALL SO..i have a portable ladder..do you just leave it up for the season OR take it down after your day hunt...thanks

I do both.
I have about 5 stands that I leave up all season. These go up about a month before.
Then I use a lone wolf stand that I hunt out of the season that goes up and down each sit.

I carry my stand in everytime I go up and bring it out afterwards.

Since I have my own place that nobody else hunts, I leave my stands up. Also, I periodically maintain my ground blinds throughout the year. Occasional forays into the woods don't unduly pressure the deer. One word of advice for those thinking about leavings stands in the woods. Check them carefully shortly before you use them. I found a wasp nest on one of mine once, not a pleasant thing.

No set time...when I get a chance. Always seem to have the best luck on the very first hunt...I say that tongue in cheek but I've heard others say the same.

Best of luck!

Kris

I take all of my stands out after the hunting season  and inspect/paint them before they go back out. I don't trust leaving them out all year due to weather breaking down the straps and stand parts. Also theft is another issue here in PA that has to be taken into account. I normally set all my stands 1-2 months before opening day and leave them up the entire season.

Ron