Flashlights and Headlamps

[cohunter14]

This is a question that just came to mind, but I have always wondered about it. When you guys head into the woods early in the morning, do you use flashlights and/or headlamps? If so, do you have any concern about spooking an elk with them? I have always used a headlamp that is fairly dim and I try to always keep from looking up and shining it through the woods. Curious to hear all of your thoughts and experiences with this.

 

[mainebrdr]

I\'ve always used a headlamp.

 

[sojourner65]

I\'ve always used a headlamp.

+1

 

[razorback]

I bought one for my trip this year. Only because I have been to Colorado before for a few days and some of the terrain required all \"4\" to negotiate. I would prefer to never use a light and usually use a very dim light when hunting WTs. I\'ll be hunting alone on this this trip so I plan on using the headlamp. Just don\'t get something too bright. I have used bright lights tracking and it seems like it makes it harder to keep my bearing.

 

[elkmtngear]

If there\'s a good moon, I\'ll try to use my night vision sometimes. Otherwise, I use my Zebra Light.

 

[Baby Huey]

I try not to use the light if possible and use nightvision like elkteamgear. I am giong to search for a good quality, and hopefully light, headlamp with the red lights. I use a cheap one for walleye fishing at night, as the red light doesn\'t have the same spooking affects on the fish as a bright white light. I am hoping, as I have heard from some other hunters, that the red light has that same type of \"low spookiness\" on big game...

 

[cnelk]

Headlamp for me when necessary. Use the moon when I can
I have seen elk in the dark and they have just stood there with me shining the light on them.

ALWAYS a light when walking thru timber and no trail. Saves a poke in the face/eye

 

[JohnFitzgerald]

I\'ve always used a headlamp.

+1

+2

 

[Billy Goat]

headlamp for me. I use cheapo clip on hat-brim models because they are lightweight and simple.

I\'ve been watching for one that was red in color to reduce the spook level.

if I\'m on a trailhead, I\'ll use the moon if available.

off TH in timber, I DARNED SURE use a headlight.

 

[Swede]

I prefer a headlamp as I have my hands free. I have no concern about spooking animals with my light. From headlights, to trail camera flashes, and lights on the farm, I have never noticed deer or elk particularly reacting to light. If I was hiking into elk grounds before daylight, I would be much more concerned with the wind direction, being seen, and the noise I make.

 

[bowhunter]

I like to wear a headlamp when walking through the trees when it is dark. I would hate to get a stick in the eye. I also like to have my hands free.

 

[Zpd307]

I have always used headlamps here too. mine has multiple brightness levels with both the red and white light.

 

[elky McElkerson]

cooking a backpack meal, in the dark..cold and hungry? it\'s a darn near impossiblity for me without a head lamp. taking measurements and making marks on a map in the dark..headlamp.

my days of clamping some flashlight in my teeth are done. they both have there \"Best\" uses. we are lucky they are both light and compact these days. no reason for me not to carry a tiny version of each.

 

[JohnFitzgerald]

Who has a recommendation on a good head lamp? I need one.

jf

 

[cohunter14]

Depends on what you are looking for. Weight, bright, dim, white light, red light, etc? Mine is a very lightweight Cabelas one that I clip onto the brim of my cap. Not the brightest light at all, but it is just bright enough. I just love how light it is compared to others I have used.

 

[iccyman001]

Head light and usually with a green bulb.

 

[mtnmutt]

Last year, I upgraded to the zebralight. On its highest setting, it would get me out of dark timber on a moonless night without issue. I hunt solo, so I decided it was worth the extra $. I still use my petzel tikka around camp. Normally, the zebralight is on its lowest setting to save battery power. The zebralight may be way overboard for most people\'s needs.