Slayer, I have found a couple decent reasons to join in on a early season hunt, both having to do with getting a better or best type buck in your unit. If you can preseason scout, you'll want to have patterned a few bucks for opening morning and hopefully, all the best bucks are still alive and you'll know right where to be come that daybreak.
I've had a couple great late hunts as well. Still some various hunters around and about but i've found the animals to be calmer later, to bunch up more and feel safer in numbers, and to me it's a much more relaxed hunt with the fun being in holding off and looking them over for a really good one.
Joey
Keep your slimy Paws Off My, Yours, Our,.. Public Land!!!