Good questions LT

I can only answer a few due to lack of experience.

3. What is the most common mistake (in your opinion) that bowhunters make that cause them to be busted by does or bucks?

IMO it is movement more than anything. I had three does under my stand at 12 yds last gun season and I was shaking (I dont see that many deer) and they busted me and troted off.

6. What is "your" reasoning behind "staying out of rut stands" until the rut?

I think certian people like to save them for that few days where the rut ishot and heavy. I guess just to keep sent out of there and not bust any deer before the rut.

7. When entering or leaving your stand, do you "ever" use a light of any kind? Why do you feel the need?

Yes If I dont know the area and have bright eyes leading to my stand but I find the eye cover it or turn it off, walk a little way and then try to find the other eye.