I also thought I'd mention, there are some super powerful lights on the market now, that didn't exist when this thread was started back in 2011. Some rated for upwards of 1200-1500 meters of throw, meaning you'd have enough light to identify (not just a pair of glowing eyes) and shoot a critter upwards of 300 yards away.
They are big and expensive, but still cost waaay less than good night vision or thermal.
http://flashlights.parametrek.com/in...ml?throw=989+_