Charles, you're experiencing something all of us has been through at some point.

It's natural to get nervous while walking to your stand in the dark. Humans are not nocturnal by nature, so whenever you head for your stand in the dark, you're doing something that does not come to us naturally.

The nervousness you're mistaking for fear is your body's way of preparing you for the hunt as you enter the wild. Pay attention to what's happening to you physically next time you get ready to walk to your stand in the dark. Your breathing speeds up, your adrenaline gets cranked up, your pulse begins to race somewhat, and the result is the heightened state of awareness your body and mind require as you begin adapting to your surroundings. It truly is an amazing thing. Your body actually takes physical action to transform you, Charles, into nature's most awesome predator.

Remember, when confronted with the unknown, the imagination can often become an untamed, wild beast. Tame this beast with facts and reality. Your mind and ears need visual confirmation that the danger is only imaginary, so go with it and carry a flashlight.

Don't worry about spooking deer, most of the time the light won't affect them. Just plan to be on stand 30 minutes prior to legal shooting, to give deer time to calm down and go back to feeding. Keep the flashlight pointed on the ground as you walk. A flashlight with a red filter will help you retain your night vision, and is even less likely to spook game. If you hear something that freaks you out, don't hesitate to shine the flashlight at it. (See, it was just a jackrabbit...) Your ears need visual confirmation of what you're hearing in order to teach your mind to adapt to the unnatural act of walking in the dark.

As you walk along, remind yourself that you are the DOMINANT predator, the biggest, baddest hombre' in the woods. The other animals out there know it, and want nothing from you but distance. Remind yourself that your chance of encountering a predator is very, very slim, as the woods is a big place, but should it happen, you're armed and ready to ammo-roast it.

Above all, give yourself time to adapt to this. With the moon being 100% full right now, you have a great opportunity to make some hikes into your stand with your surroundings illuminated. The more you do it, the easier it will get. Remember, you are the master. Start walkin', and above all, have fun!

Andy

P.S. -- Dump the scary movies. They just feed the untamed beast of the imagination.