Walking in to a stand?

I would use something to help you navigate whether red or white light or Night Vision. Using a light probably spooks some coyotes but better than hurting yourself. I do believe using NV for going to the stand yields an increase in coyotes but they add to the expense, weight, and another thing that can fog up.
 

I use a small LED mounted on the end of my rifle for walking so that I can see where I am stepping. Aside from the obvious advantage of seeing obstacles it helps to avoid stepping on snakes which is always a concern here in FL.

Having the light at the end of my rifle keeps the light down low where I need it and decreases my chance of getting busted. If I am stalking hogs I turn off the light and do it in the dark when I get close.

Red might be better but for me the LEDs are so small the red does not give me enough light.

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Thanks for the responses, I was wondering if people noticed coyotes being spooked. I would think if you kept the light shined in front and don't light yourself or your gear up you should be fine. It would be kind of like using a light calling at night.
 
Red headlamp here, it hasn't seemed to be a problem so far. Scan with your thermal on the walk in as best you can, you'd be surprised how many you'll spot before even getting set up.
 
Around here on clear nights I can walk in with no lights when going slow. On overcast nights I use a cheap Harbor Frieght headlamp as it puts out a dull minimal yellowish light.
 
I also use the night eyes dual beam light on red low just to get everything together at the truck and to open a gate, navigate a tricky spot, etc. I point it to the ground and try to never let it shine up in the air. As soon as I get clear I cut it off and walk in with the thermal scanner. We walk in on coyotes fairly often that way and I think they would be spooked if they saw a light.
 
Originally Posted By: v2kDoes anyone use a light when walking into a stand at night?

No...coyotes are too spooked around here and know what a flashlight means.
 
I don't call with lights but I drive dirt roads and scan with lights to and from calling spots. I've seen no difference between white, red and green. Only intensity seems to matter. When you stop they definitely take off but at different rates without regard of light color. Even with the thermal they are alarmed by me stopping.

Lights are common around roads and homes so I think they aren't overly alarmed. Out in remote areas this may be different?
 
I use a small red headlamp, set tipped down a stride or 2. I see coyote(wildlife in general) react negatively to walking sounds during the day, no doubt same happens at night. Coyote can hear you further than most realize.
 
Originally Posted By: spotstalkshootI use a small red headlamp, set tipped down a stride or 2. I see coyote(wildlife in general) react negatively to walking sounds during the day, no doubt same happens at night. Coyote can hear you further than most realize.

As slow as I walk most coyotes think I'm a deer browsing. lol
 
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We run small red LEDs to set up equipment at the truck, cross ditches or rough terrain, meanwhile scanning with thermal to see if coyotes are in the field already with zero issues. If its an easy walk with no obstacles I don't use a light walking in. NODS are nice but definitely not needed and the cost vs gain is definitely not there. NODs are best if you want to drive blacked out or doing spot and stalk but for normal calling coyotes its not a game changer.
 
No lights here. Our coyotes are extremely pressured and smart. A guy I had to cut ties hunting with because they “knew” lights, clanking gear, slamming doors, coughing, looking att their phones, didn’t “mess up” our stands…


I try to be as stealth as possible, I also don’t want seen by any people whatsoever
 
In Illinois used to be couple hundred yds,Montana now ,1/4 mile through at least one gate. Gates are a hassle, some are easy some aren’t. Where I’m hunting now has close to a foot of snow so can’t park in the field entrances like I used to. Did race a snowshoe hare the other night around a 1/4 mile , didn’t want to get off the road. 35 mph to get past it. Trudging across the tundra mile after mile. Wouldn’t go back to Illinois though.
 
Sometimes I walk right behind someone’s garage or barn and call, other times close to a mile to the furthest back corners of ag fields. The long walks stink carrying a 15lb rifle/tripod setup but I’ve found it to be worth it several times. Either way. No lights man
 
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