I use bright eyes at teh bottom of the trees so I just turn the light on here and there and I do not have to shine it into the woods.

I hunt public land where I have to take my stand down each day (what a pain), so it's pretty easy to find --right in the back of my truck.

I scout as much as I can and get to know the place pretty well, but GPS is a great way to go, especially if you are changing locations during the day but only know the way in from the road directly to each spot. That way you can take the most direct route. It's also great for finding new spots in the off-season. Just mark your parking place, scout until you find a good place, mark it, and then just follow the GPS out. If you're lucky, you'll find landmarks to use along the way and won't have to use the GPS after a few trips.

I try not to use any light, but I do carry a red led type that lights up small branches in front of me so I don't poke my eyes out and make lots of noise stepping on twigs.
I've heard that red light is not visble to deer, but I use it because it doesn't ruin my night vision.

I use a small flashflight with a red lens.

Also, when looking for landmarks don't forget to look up.
Sometimes a big lone tree, like a giant oak will stand out in the tree line visible against the sky. It can work as well as anything along a path or nailed into a tree.

Mike, At IMB, we use tacks and orange tape to mark the trails to our stands. We have 100's of stand locations, so it is not just a matter of knowing where your stands are, although we do. New stands are always being put up or moved, so this is the best method of finding them in the dark. There are several differant varieties of reflectors that work well for marking the way. I use a small blue lens light to find the way, but always carry a brighter light as well.

I usually just stand in the middle of the woods and listen to which way the deer are running...Then I walk the other way

It just calls out to me... [8D]