Charles Ray, this year alone I have logged many miles hiking in the pitch black in the mountains. We have wolves, bear, mountain lion, and a ton of other predators. I have no problem because the reward is an elk. In elk hunting you absolutely must get in front of that herd at shooting light, and that often means hiking in the dark. There is no boogie man out there. Always remember, you are at the top of the food chain. My attitude is: if there is anything out here, it better hope it doesn't run into me. As long as you remember that your the one to fear, you will be find.