Always hunt the wind. As an experiment get up in a tree about 25 feet and take some of these wind air current pieces of light thread (don't remember the name brand) and let them go. Sometimes they will float around and go upwards and sometimes they will almost blow straight down.
Easy in to the stand and get up as quickly, quietly and safely as you can.
Use the light, rather be able to see than the slim chance you would spook something. Deer aren't suppose to be able to see the light anyway.
40 yards with buckshot, why not use a slug if you are still hunting?
Ease out after dark, again quickly, quietly and safely.