I am in stand at least 20 minutes before it gets light. I have found that by walking the travel route to and from before season a time or 2 helps with the use or not with a light. I have to walk a 1/2 mile to my get away stand and that includes through a swamp/mud thicket. If I need a light, I use the new hat bill mounted one that comes in greena and I have seen deer walk right up to me with the wind on their back to almost 5 yds before they realize their mistake.