I go by memory (using natural landmarks when needed). Of course most of my hunting is done on land I’ve been hunting for 20 years and could probably find a couple of my trees literally with my eyes closed. Hunting a lot of new spots out of state this year, I likely will not tack, probably back up my memory with GPS, but only use it if I have to. I also carry a red lens light.

Good story here, I’ll try to keep it short. Back when I was probably 14 yrs old, opening morning my Dad walks me in to my stand, then proceeds to his tree. It was about 120 yds thru thick woods, with a meandering route. We used no lights. The next Saturday morning, we get to the trail to cut in, and he just keeps on walking?! “Dad, how am I supposed to find my tree?” –‘I showed you how to get there last week. You can walk in to it now, or wait here till it gets light.’
Ok, so I head in, trying to maintain the right heading. I got to where I thought I was close but just could not find my stand(climber left around the tree as high up as I could reach) So I figured I’d sit down & wait for daylight. I hadn’t been seated for 2 minutes when I made out the silhouette of my stand against the sky not 10 yds away.