Using Headlamps to/from Stand

[HunterBob]

Just curious to hear everyone else's thoughts on this. Last year I tried not to use a headlamp whenever possible either going to stands on morning hunts, or coming back on evening hunts. The reason for this obviously being that I didn't want a deer to see this, even from afar. If there is not enough light, I try to only use my green or red light options instead of the white. Most of the time I can see enough in the moonlight, even though I might make a little more noise from dried leaves/twigs that I may not see. So I guess my question is if it is worth it to use a light in order to be more quiet, or better to not use a light and possibly make more noise?

[Sailfish_WC]

I’ll go dark during archery

No damn way will I hunt public land during rifle without the very least a red light on

[HunterBob]

I’ll go dark during archery

No damn way will I hunt public land during rifle without the very least a red light on

Haha, good point! Most of the places I hunt are public, but archery only. Although I am sure that doesn't stop some from having a rifle in the woods...

[Kcbuckeye22]

Going in on a morning hunt hanging a stand I use as much red light or moon light as possible. There's a point where you make way to much noise stubbling around than light would effect the access. When i hang a stand in the morning I turn on the white light for safety reasons, there's times when i can use moonlight and redlight to get the job done. I'm not afraid to use the white light, but being undetected is the game plan.

[justdirtyfun]

Being safe is much more important than alerting deer.

[DaveT1963]

I use a small red light but I go in way before other do. I also use every dip in the terrain I can. Last 100 yards or so I will go in dark if there is enough moon light.... if not my red light stays at waist level and I keep it pointed at the ground. If I can see hunters walking in using light why would anyone think deer don't see it? Will it spook them every time - probably not - are they aware of it as unnatural and a source of danger - IMHO absolutely.

I agree about not walking into areas during gun season - but when I go in (usually around 400 AM, daylight isn't until 700 or so and there are no other hunters so it is not a big concern for me. I would rather go in 3 hours early then talk a chance of walking past some idiot with a gun or crossbow for that matter.

[brancher147]

I use a dim light and keep it pointed at the ground. I do not trust others private or public anytime to go in the dark. Safety is more important to me. I usually use terrain features to conceal me from known areas where i expect deer.

[HunterBob]

Thanks for all of the tips guys, appreciate the concerns about safety.

[Horizontal Hunter]

I’ll go dark during archery

No damn way will I hunt public land during rifle without the very least a red light on

X2 white light during our gun seasons. Red/green as needed during archery.

Bob

[Grizzlyadam]

I only use a red light when I am coming in for a morning sit. It is less noticeable from a distance. I also only use a hand held light that I hold at waist height so that it is lower than much of the brush around me. I wouldn't use a headlight, seems like a beacon coming through the woods. Definitely would wear one coming out for safety purposes though.

[tgreeno]

Here's a few threads discussing this very topic. You should find a wealth of information on that topic.

viewtopic.php?f=21&t=46241&p=697385&hilit=headlamp#p697385

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=45764&hilit=headlamp

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=42661&hilit=headlamp

viewtopic.php?f=21&t=42141&p=619213&hilit=headlamp#p619213

[Kevin2]

I walk out a couple hours before day break without one, but to not have one on in the evening is kinda hard with other hunters in mind. Crazy accident that I don't want to be part of the short end. Stay on stand a good while and then back out the side door exit where using a light won't hurt hopefully. Either way, unless you are on a huge chunk of private where nobody else is, it might not be worth it.

[Rob loper]

I seen a headlamp the other day in my local bow shop. That was over 100$. I messed with it and it does the same thing my 9.99 energizer at hdepot does Lol
I keep one in my hand with my fingers covering the light in morning but i go in earlier than most guys And use light coming out even though i come out way past most guys in the evening
Red or green light too setup with

[Horizontal Hunter]

I seen a headlamp the other day in my local bow shop. That was over 100$. I messed with it and it does the same thing my 9.99 energizer at hdepot does Lol
I keep one in my hand with my fingers covering the light in morning but i go in earlier than most guys And use light coming out even though i come out way past most guys in the evening
Red or green light too setup with

I am a flashlight junkie. There is no substitute for a good headlamp/flashlight when you are tracking in the dark.

My current headlamp is a Nitecore HC90. It is on the heavy side but it gives me the Red/Green/Blue low output led lighting for going in or out and the white light will put out a lot of white light that is infinitely adjustable.

https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/hc90

The Femix HL-50 is a great little light that I use around the house. It is so light that you hardly know that it is there.

https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-hl50-led-headlamp/

Good lithium batteries and a battery charger are a must.

Bob

[tim]

Yes I always use a light unless the moon is out and bright and I can see ok. Even then it’s easy to trip on something or step on something loud. Not worth it to me. I can’t see in the dark