You will typically see the pot choppers in August / September. But they don't stick around long. I actually seen one back in July roving across Corn / Soybean fields. That was as early as I remember seeing them. Haven't seen any since.
I am very fortunate to have the area I have. It does in fact allow me 24 hr a day easy access and tucked away on private land that is surrounded by private land. My biggest and nagging fear is rippers. Was nailed 3 x from 91 - 2005. In for a quick break and back out on guard duty. My right hand man watched his daughter come into this world today...He's been gone for a couple days and it will be a couple more at least. I'm pretty much in zombie mode at this point.