RE: best time to spotlight?
As long as it's not between 9/1 and 12/15. The expanded archery season opens on 9/11 this year and closes on 12/14. The give the deer a couple of weeks prior to "hide" and it's legal again the day following the close of the season.
ILLUMINATING WILDLIFE: From September 1 to December 15, it is unlawful to use artificial lights from 1/2 hour after sunset until 1/2 hour before sunrise to illuminate, jack, locate, attempt to locate or show up wild animals or wild birds, except raccoons.
I love the way they word this damn provision. I sure hope it's illegal to "jack" wildlife.