RE: SPOT LIGHTING- it's a dang shame
Here in NY it is legal to use a spotlight to observe deer as long as you are over 500' from anybuilding unless you own it or have permission to spot it. You must either not have a gun in the vehicle or have it securely fastened in a case.
I like taking my son (he's 4) for a ride on a nice night so he can see the deer. He really enjoys it. But we do have a fair share of people who cann't resist to shoot w/ their light. My uncle caught 6 different people jacking in his meadow this year! You'd think people would learn.