breaking the ice w/ the neighbors is a great idea. I've hunted on my land for 9 days and already I've been on two neighbors property tracking deer. I now have permission from both of them.

as far as not bumping deer - I'd clear out your trails by trimming branches and moving dead sticks. then treat your walk to the stand as a stalk. be very very quiet. I'm sure you'll see more deer that way, even from the stand.