we take electric golf carts in, always pitch black, and still walk a pretty good ways. Usually have cleared access path to stands to minimize sound. Always plan a slow, as quiet as possible entry based on wind and expected deer movement. I try not to use a light.

I agree with what MarksOutdoors said above, I often haven't gotten in good when I have deer coming by.

I really don't believe that they can tell the difference in a human and a raccoon/armadillo/anything if you are going slowly and as quietly as possible.

All that being said I think scent is biggest factor in spooking