I usually keep the light running most of the time. If you don't, you may miss a coyote or fox. They can slip in and slip out quickly. I also try to shine the light high, so just enough of the light hits the terrain to make an eye shine if there is one. Then I keep the light high and track the eyes until I am ready to take the shot. Once ready for the shot, I hit it withenough lightto illuminate the target, varifty the target, and take the shot if everything else checks out. If your not 100% sure, pass on the shot, and hope the animal comes in for a closer look or let him walk. Keeping some goodbinoculars handy can help if something comes up your not sure about. It also makes sure your not pointing a gun at a non-target instead of looking through the scope of a loaded gun.