I spotlight here in NY myself, often see bucks I never do during the day. But NY's spotlighting laws are kinda open to the DEC Ofcr's. intrepretation. 1st you can't spotlight within 500ft of a dwelling, 2nd your really not suppose to have any weapons in the vehicle or at least not readily accessible. Locked in a case in trunk, or in a bolted down gun rack, and ammo in the trunk. Plus your not suppose to be harassing the deer. I guess some would say its illegal to do. So I guess if you spotlight too long, and the deer take off you could be ticketed for harassing. I just kinda flash spot quickly. If I catch horns I only stop on that deer for a few extra seconds. If they begin to move I turn it off.

Here's a funny story that happened to me one night. I work the 3-11 shift, so spotlight often on way home. I drive by a creek closed to fishing, and its often poached for salmon. I see a vehicles taillights back off the road near the creek. Just happen to catch them in my headlights. Thinking its someone poaching fish, I throw on the spotlight to spook them. Thinking it'd be funny to see some poachers running! But to my surprise it was a NYS DEC Law Enforcement vehicle. I almost crapped my pants!! They instantly put their lights on, and came after me. I immediatley pulled over. Of course they wanted to know just what the heck I was doing. I explained my spotlight reason. They then laughed, and said so you could see our tail lights from the road. I said yes. They actually thanked me explaining they were trying to catch the poachers themselves, and would have to hide better. Then told me to have a good night! WHEW!!!!! [8D]