Ite,
I have a Canon ZR500 in mind dv and yes it will make some noise when powering up. I have not used it while hunting yet but I do use it to video deer in the woods during the off season. When I have topower it up i just cover it with my jacket bottom. then I take it back out.
Also when i am filming I don't use the LCD screen, i use the viewfinder. It has a slim profile that way when pointing it at a deer and I usually just hold it with my thin camo gloves. T
I've filmed lots of deer and have never had one spook from the camera.