Depending on when the rut in your area is on, the bucks get a little stupid and move around a lot during the day. That's when you see bucks you never knew were there. Otherwise, they tend to stay in the thick stuff during the day, and move at night.
Any unusual sounds or human traffic in the woods will spook them. Noises like chain saws, if they are used to them, don't really spook them, but voices, car doors slamming, or your favorite hunting jacket that has been unwashed, and used by your dog to sleep on, will. Always remember, wind in your face when still hunting or taking a stand.
Deer tend to move a little more in the morning after a cloudy night, or during periods of a weak moon. A bright full moon usually means more movement at night, less in the am.
An approaching storm front often leads to more day time movement just prior to the storm.
Deer also tend to move some during the daylight right after a fresh snow fall.
Finding a bedding area, and getting in to it before daylight, and taking a downwind stand can work well.
The above comments apply to north eastern whitetails in the woods. Open crop fields, locations with feeder stations, out west, or mule deer may be different.
When all is said and done, the more time you spend in the woods, the more chance of getting a shot. I hunt with a couple guys who go out for a couple hours in the am, usually after the sun is up, and maybe an hour again before dark. They wonder why they don't do well. I pack a lunch, and usually stay out all day, weather permitting. I usually do pretty good.
Larry
