Waiting till 1st light for an AM hunt

[dlist777]

I've always tried to get to my hunting spot 30-60 mins before first light.  But, I'm starting to question that strategy.  I got to my stand early the other day and watched a fellow hunter come in a few minutes later with his light on.  It was just alot of noise and that light really penetrates.  

I'm real careful about my approach.  I don't walk through fields in the morning; I always have some type of access point to avoid blowing them off of feeding areas.  But, I've never really seen a first light buck.  I'm thinking I'm just blowing them out on my way in (esp when I'm using a portable) just through noise and headlamp.  

I'm wondering if isn't a better strategy to just wait until right at first light and then start moving in with no light.  I might miss a few minutes of shooting light but I probably reduce my chances of being detected 5x.  

Thoughts?  

Edited November 15, 2018 by dlist777

[bdowning]

I'd disagree here....although I usually get into the woods about 45 minutes to an hour before first light. I've seen most of my action when I'm up in a tree as the sun is coming up. That being said, I've also had some of my buddies roll out of bed hung over and come in 15-30 minutes after first light and take something nice after being in their stand for 30 minutes. I think it part of it is personal preference. I'm an early bird and am usually excited about getting in the woods early so I'm always anxious to get out of bed when I hunt mornings. Even if I don't see anything, I tell myself it's worth it. 

[deadonshot2]

Is there a way to approach without a light? My best morning stand takes me a few extra minutes to get to because I go slow without the aid of any light. I have jumped deer on my way in many times. But I climb the tree, give a couple very short low grunts and have had deer come walking right in.  I have had deer feeding within shooting distance as legal times comes in despite bumping them in the dark. I 100% believe it is because I do not use any light.

[hammer4reel]

Buy yourself a green headlight and don’t look back. 

They don’t spook deer like a white light does. 

And oddly many times they don’t move away at all 

have had deer around my stand as I got there  many times when I get in tree and look back down they are still there 

[Zone50BugNerd]

10 minutes ago, hammer4reel said:

Buy yourself a green headlight and don’t look back. 

They don’t spook deer like a white light does. 

And oddly many times they don’t move away at all 

have had deer around my stand as I got there  many times when I get in tree and look back down they are still there 

This is sound advice, I use my predator hunting headlamp on the walk-in and have illuminated eyes before but have NOT pushed deer away.  Walk slow but deliberately, and like hammer said, don't look back, eyes forward and I think you will be more successful.  

[archer36]

There is a different school of thought on this. I prefer to "still hunt" my way to my stand. If you have the right situation, this is better than walking in at dark and blowing the deer out before the sun rises. I have killed many deer doing this. It must be just that right time before daylight but not so dark you can't see about 100 yds in front of you. I also like to sleep in. LOL

Edited November 15, 2018 by archer36

[Live to Hunt]

I’m a little nuts but I get on stand an hour in a half early in the morning. I actually love sitting in dark. It’s part of it for me. 

[JHbowhunter]

100% agree to the green light - something about it doesn't spook them.   

[B B]

Even though I hate waking up early, I like to be in the woods to watch and listen to it wake up.  I also use red or green light if a light is needed.  

[kuz]

most of the deer ive been seeing lately have been between 830am-1130am. different spots. i still like to get in early, but if i sleep late i dont mind going in after sun up. 

[PSE160]

I’m all about the red light and atleast 1hr before first light when I go to my morning stands. Red or green light obviously helps you see but also especially with red light it does not affect your own natural night vision. So with either light when you turn them off you will have less pupil adjustment once you turn that light off. Plus doesn’t spook the deer for who knows why.


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[Triv]

I watch what happens on my trail cams. Deer patterns change with the season, pressure and moon phase. I like going in at first light when things permit. 

[hunterbob1]

Winter is coming,1st rut done,deer change Patterns,less deer movement,conserve energy,,they bed closesest to southern exposure. Going in now before daylight they here see everything,sound travels more in cold air!I had most success going in  at 10 after snow softens,deer feed at midday 

Edited November 17, 2018 by hunterbob1
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[Lunatic]

4 hours ago, hunterbob1 said:

Winter is coming,1st    rut clone Dee Patten change,less deer move,conserve ,they bed closesest to southern exposure. Going in now before daylight they here see evryt,sound travels more in cold air!I had most success going in  at 10 after snow softens,deer feed at midday 

Once the winter sets I hunt less am because I see less activity AM than PM. 
But on morning hunts I am in a tree and set to hunt at least 1 hr before sun rise

[hunterbob1]

Your tough,give you that.