I wanted to know what your opinions were of using flashlights in areas where big deer live?
I'll be heading out this coming Saturday morning into an area I know a monster buck lives. It's also going to be awfully dark without a moon and with cloud cover. I'd like to use one to avoid brush, sticks, and other things that go thump when you hit them. A little light will also help set the stand up more quietly. At the same time, I'm not sure if deer are smart enough to avoid an area based on the temporary presence of such a light.

I figure I could use a low level red lens flashlight, but will this cost me in the end?


BTW: A tip for red lens' for those on a budget like me: First take a cheap plastic flashlight and open the lens cover. Then take some Saran wrap, a red Sharpie and color a patch on the wrap itself. Place the wrap on the flashlight and replace the cover. Tear off the rough edges and you've got a red lens.