i was taught ot approach them from the rear...then poke the eye if it doesnt move when you are close...if the eye blinks when you poke it you better do something about it....never figured out what to do......depends on how alive it is i guess......but i always approach it from the rear and always keep my gun loaded.....if it gets up it should be fairly easy to put it down......unless its REALLY alive and takes off.......