Depends on where I am hunting and how much moon light is out. I prefer to not use one if I can, but that depends on a lot of things. I usually will try to not use one when on my property because I know there are no other hunters on it. I also use a streamlight, mine is the 2 cell lithium LED one. It is awfully bright and awesome for tracking as well. When I do use it, I will turn it on, check things out, then turn it off and walk 20-30 yards and then stop and turn it on again.