Setting up in the Dark

[NorthStar]

I have been revisiting past morning hunts in my mind and I am growing paranoid of the amount of light I am using to get my sticks and stand in the tree. Especially when setting up in small groups of trees in open marshes. I have heard about using red lights vs white light and other aids like glow in the dark paint.

Cut to the chase....what are some tricks to reducing the amount of light needed to set up in the dark?

[RiverBottoms]

I've had similar thoughts. I usually use a large 3 bulb LED headlamp, which I will continue to bring for blood trailing after dark on evening hunts, but also have a tiny green light that goes on a hat brim. I plan to use that as I get closer to my destination and for setting up on morning hunts. Some people argue that it doesn't matter if you use a large white headlamp, but deer don't seem to like being shined. I'll play it safe

[ThePreBanMan]

Use a red light... It's not very bright and deer do not see very well at all on the red side of the color spectrum. But it's bright enough to get the job done and be safe and that's what matters.

[MNarrow]

I use a ZebraLight headlamp with the flood bulb on the dimmest setting.......super dim with no hot spot. I like it a lot.

[milkweed-militia]

Use a red light... It's not very bright and deer do not see very well at all on the red side of the color spectrum. But it's bright enough to get the job done and be safe and that's what matters.

X2 with what he said. I always make sure my light stays on the tree or the ground at what i'm getting. Never look around to see if the Boogeyman is making those noises you here. If he is, you're already dead!

[freezeAR]

When I use a red light navigating to my spot I find the light disorientating. I use a low lumen head lamp to get to my tree. Then I will turn off my light, cool down a bit and hang my set without any light. If I have to have light setting up, I usually use a red light.

[Tennhunter3]

I use a browning headlamp with red and green lights.

[matt1336]

I don’t use a light setting up. Your eyes adjust. But....there are a lot of guys that use lights and don’t seem to have issues with them/deer spooking. The thp guys use them. So idk. I guess I just might be a little too paranoid about it all.
I will use a light if I find myself making too much noise walking in when it’s dark. Usually a red or green light.

[BackCoverBowHunter]

I use red light as well. Most of the time I just walk into the woods a bit, let my eyes adjust and you will be surprised how well you can make things out. Especially if the moon is bright.

[hokiehunter373]

I usually use regular white light to get to the tree unless it's a place I'm super familiar with which usually isn't the case. Once I get to the tree I've got all lights off and I'm climbing with no light. Honestly though, from what I've seen/watched/read, I don't think it matters.