Red headlamp for walking in, in the dark?

[Broken Arrow]

This is an intresting post to follow. I was of that mindset...using a red light to get into my areas several years ago. Then one trip I somehow misplaced my light and had to go in with out any illumination. Here is what i learned. Going in with out a light, makes you SLOW WAY down....similar to the same speed or maybe even slower when i spot and stalk. My eyes adjusted to the darkness and what i couldn't see i felt. if that makes any sense. I was much more aware of my footing and sound in the darkness. Today I never use a light on the way in. I do however on the way out, though that's because i know I'll have now shot opportunities in the hours to come and usually I'm tired and just want to get out where stealth is not high on my priorities.

[deaner]

okay then one more thought on this.  when i was at the taxidermist in november another guy came in with a male cougar.  he said he was walking in just before light with his green headlamp on.  he turned around to see a cat in his green light 5 feet behind him.  if he hadnt had the headlamp on......

[TriggerHappy]

I have had a cougar in the head lamp before. quite a thrilling couple of moments especially when the cougar blinks its eyes. i wasn't able to kill mine but for this reason i always use a white head lamp to get to into my area, then work my way into where i hunt at first light or in complete darkness. I guess it also depends if your starting out 4 or 5 miles away or just parking your truck and heading out into a clearcut.

[MadHatter]

Funny thing is that I left the house opening morning for deer season with my red headlamp going, as soon as I turned around I saw two red eyes staring back at me about 20yds away. Turned out to be my 2012 buck. But I will say the red light didn't spook him one bit. He looked up, saw me and kept eating... I actually had to chase him off so the round passing through didn't hit my car or shop... I am sure I looked hilarious opening morning yelling and waving my arms as a buck.

But the red light didn't even seem to phase the deer... It also helped me to not destroy my night vision when I clicked my lamp off to see through my scope in the low light for the shot.

Probably sent while sitting on the ferry... While using Tapatalk 2

[JackOfAllTrades]

For reasons that Colockum spelled out, yes, the red light is better for 'your' vision recovery as dawn progresses. But as others have stated, the deer don't care. You're likely busted by the noise and the wind at night just as fast as during daylight. If you want a chance at some better night vision, as soon as you wake up, put an eye patch over your dominant eye. When you get to the trail or even part way through, using your red light, you'll be able to see much better when you uncover the eye.
 
Warning-  You'll have to manage your balance and depth perception when walking the trail/driving a bit more in earnest when your eye is covered.
 
Me?  I use my white light on low or nearly no light at all well before I need to be on stand. By the time dawn comes around, my eyes are recovered pretty well.
 
-Steve

[WSU]

I don't use a light.  Your eyes adjust to the point where you can see where you are going unless it is really dark.  On the average night you can see plenty.