I get in about a 1/2 hour before first light and always use a flashlight. Hunting on Long Island i would be afraid of being shot by another bowhunter if i didn't use a light. We have a lot of slob hunters on Long Island.

1/2 hr before shooting light with a light. I've walked in on someone in my stand before...if that doesn't make your heart skip I don't know what will.

I debate this topic in my mind every time i go out.  I say go in early and walk quickly and steady as I can without breaking sticks or making metallic noise with stand, steps,etc.  I'm going to cause a disturbance going in think it best to make it early and let settle back down prior to first light. On final approach to stand last 200 yds I slow it down and try to sound like a 4 legged animal with defined heel and toe strikes with each footfall.  So most of trip I try to sound like I'm just passing through think if I sneak I'm going to sound more like a predator on prowl.  Think MT bike would be good option for first leg of trip and sneak last little bit to stand bit haven't tried it yet.  Great thread I vote for go in eArly in dark. But not afraid to use light if will help me avoid breaking sticks which i think tips them off to something heavy walking through their domain.

I have tried it both ways.  I used to always be in the stand before daylight,but the last couple of years I have been running deer off everytime I go in before daylight no matter what I do.  This usually ends up with at least one deer blowing several times.  I have been going in after daylight for the last 2 seasons because of this.  This year I have been debating going in before daylight but have not been able to make myself do it.  The mountain bike may be a good idea they see the neibors on bikes all the time over here.  I doubt the deer on my place have ever been shot at from a bike!

I go in early and use a flashlight,clipped to my hat. Last Saturday I was getting set up in the tree, and my light shined across the logging road I walked in on. I saw 2 sets of green eyes on the path. I quietly continued setting up, turned off the light and about 20 minutes later I could barely make out 2 deer about 15 yards from the tree. pretty sure it was the same 2, so I would say lights dont bother em too much.