ok please do not laugh at my question.

I have 2 stands set up in my woods now. To get to either of these stands I have to walk through the woods and over about 3 acres of DRY crunchy leaves. It never fails 7 out of 10 times I jump deer on the way to my stand in the dark...to never see them again..

Does anyone have any tips to quiet the walking over such dry crunchy leaves...They are very loud at 4:30am when there is no wind and the woods are dead quiet..I take one step and it's CRRRRRRRUUUUCNNHHH!!!....I always hear deer running away when I enter...

I dont have the option of walking along a stream or a cleared path...
I have to walk over there damn noisey leaves...any tips on being quieter?

I've tried walking very very slowly, I've tried tip toing (yes, I tip toed in my boots to my stand before) haha

I've tried everything to be quieter, but these leaves give me away everytime!!!!
Should I go in earlier? I already get to my stand at 4:30 or so give or take a few mins..

I'm just getting frustrated about making too much noise!!!