a little common sense goes along way when using a flash light in the woods.i use one,always have and always will if the situation calls for it.keep the beam pointed towards the ground as much as possible and once your at the stand ,turn it off.learn to get in to the stand without a light and learn to get ready(once in the stand)in the dark.as far as spooking the deer,i think if the deer are close enough there going to spook regardless if your using a light or not.the important thing is to get to the stand quickly and quietly,if a light helps do this then use it.