I've had 2 encounters where it was more that just my mind playing tricks on me. One stand I was hunting, I was about 300 yds in. As it got dark the coyotes started up. A pack of coyotes going at it in the dark is enough to make my hair stand up on my neck. As I started my walk out, the pack was behind me a good ways. Next thing I know, a pack starts up to my right and one in front. All 3 packs started circling. One pack was close enough I could see them dart across the trail in front of me. Made it back to the truck in one peice though. The other time I was hog hunting. I had shot a hog and was standing on a trail next to some thick underbrush where I had a blood trail. It was getting dark and you could only see about 3 to 4 feet. I could hear something coming through the underbrush. There were some good size saplings that were shaking with everything else. As it got closer it started grunting and growling. As it started to make its way out of the brush, I fired off 3 shots with my sidearm and it charged off into the brush. I couldn't tell but I figured it was a boar. I do know it was taller than my knees. So that's one big hog! Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
My older brother was heading back to the truck last year and shone his light behind him and picked up a pair of eyes folloing about 30 yds behind him.Whatever it was folowed him for almost half a mile.He said it would kinda swing back and forth from the right side to the left like it was trying to circle him.He said he even tried varying his speed and still stayed right with him.There has been panthers and moutain lions reported multiple times in that area so ya he was kind freaked out.
And he always kinda teases me about using a flashlight after dark.After that little incident he started using a light after dark.
And he always kinda teases me about using a flashlight after dark.After that little incident he started using a light after dark.
I have a red head lamp I use. Don't seem to spook the deer unless I walk almost right up on them. Im not scared of the dark, just things IN the dark... lol But yeah, I have a read energizer headlamp I use.
When gun hunting public land.. I wear or carry a light. In thick stuff where I need it to see, I use a headlamp. Otherwise not. I enjoy the sense of being one with the night.. If something is out there to get you, that dinky little headlamp won't save you....
I agree, the headlamp will not save you, but it will allow you to possibly see that copperhead that decided not to rattle. Plus I have found that when I carry a bigger light, I spook the deer more often.
Early season encounters with venomous snakes is a really good reason to use a light. I use a Zebralight, fantastic headlamp.
Kicked up grouse several times on the way to the stand. Still scares the hell out of me. Turkeys aren't much better! Don't really think much of coyotes, but wolf tracks on the dirt road where I park has me on edge after reading that forum post of the guy that apparently had to fend off three wolves with his hand gun while scouting about 15-20 miles away from our private land.
The dark is afraid of me. When I use a light it's because I do dislike falling down or twigs to the eye. Lol Headlamps annoy me when it's cold because it lights up my breath.
I have started using a small light the past few years in the morning and have actually noticed how much quieter I am. It's the main reason I do it. I only hunt in the middle of the woods, so its usually really dark. I cup it in my hand so it barely lets any light out. Before that I was constantly bumping deer. There is still nothing better than getting to your stand an hour before first light on a dead quiet morning and hearing the woods come alive. One of the main reasons I hunt.
I will be honest and say I don't like walking in complete darkness. I don't like using a light so if I don't have to great but if I do I hold it below my waist and directly at the ground. A few weeks ago a got to my stand and right after I put my light away and put one hand on my ladder, I heard something run and my fight or flight instinct kicked in real quick. Let's just say I got up those first 5 steps in record time. Haha.
I was walking to my stand in WI down a fire trail once, it was about 0 dark thirty, and my headlamp caught a bunch of red eyes, about 30 yards away! I drew my knife, and then realized that it was a family of raccoons! Ha ha! Between then and now, with about 30 months of combat in Afghanistan I still like walking to my stand in the daytime better! But, think of it this way, if you walk to your stand in the dark, you get to walk out when it's light out.
I will have to say after reading all of these there are so many that ring true and how funny it is to hear other people go through the EXACT same instances in the woods. It is good to start off the morning laughing at these and thinking, I've been right there living that same story.
The only time I've ever been scared walking in the woods was when I was 12 and a cougar had been spotted in my area. That big cat sure scared to crap out of me but I didn't let that ruin my passion for hunting whitetails. I was hunting with my cousin this weekend and he said he didn't like the dark either so I made him walk to the stand by himself with his head lamp and I walked a couple hundred yards behind him. I never use a light, I can see pretty well in the dark once my eyes adjust.
If its legal in your state you should carry a handgun. I do whenever I bow hunt now. I actually had a pack of fisher cats around me the other night in the dark walking out and those things freak me out. However I just thought to myself.... 4 arrows and 7 rounds... I like my chances of getting out of here alive haha.
Lots of predators hunt and stalk in the dark, including people, a handgun is always a good idea if legal.
