Taxman, there are as many different laws in this regard as there are state agencies to make those laws. Every Game Warden that I know would encourage you to do the " Right Thing" for the animal, within reason. I know that leaves a lot of wiggle room but that is the way it is.
I have personally tracked wounded game several times in the dark, while armed. You can safely fire a rifle at night if you know where the bullet is going. I' m not talking about firing at a moving animal with an unknown bactstop but rather a final shot into an animal which is down and dying to put it out of pain and suffering.