Most laser range finders (LRF) use ir-lasers. You press the "fire" button and pulses of ir-laser are sent towards whatever the LRF is pointing at. If possible, some of the pulse energy bounces back to the unit, is picked up and processed to produce the range output in the display.
I use my Bushy 1600 Arch Elite with a PVS-14 to range at night and it works great. But, do I try it when I have a target critter in my sights? No, not enough time. Putting an LRF on the rifle gains time. You can range a target, glance up/over at the display and have a range. Then get back on target quickly. There is the issue of how to optimally "zero" a rifle mounted LRF. But it can be done.
With a handheld LRF, I use it when setting up. I can range the treelines, ponds, other nearby landmarks. Then I can estimate the range to a critter based on that knowledge. But I can't dynamically range a critter unless in a team scenario.
Edit: The difference between ranging with an LRF in the day versus at night ... is that at night, with the PVS-14 you can SEE the pulses and hence be real sure whether they are on the target you are trying to range. I believe I can range more accurately at night for this reason.
Edit 02: Another idea is to use tracers ... they would be VERY visible with either NV or thermal. Night shooting in the Army I was in was tracers and full auto (tracers every 3rd round in the M16s which were fired on full auto). I have not tried this idea yet. But combined with DJ's "bring lots of ammo" idea ... the tracers would help you see whether you are high or low if you are. Pulling the trigger fast and controlling the weapon then become important. Do you want to do this, or do you want to focus on being "good enough" at range estimation - we have to decide.
With something resembling a 50/200 yard double zero ... it should not matter much. Less than 2 inches variance for me with the weapons I hunt with ... if 50/200 double zeroed. So, remind me why we even need to range?
Well we need to be able to tell if we are under about 250yds or not. But if not, then can we call the yote closer or stalk in closer? Should be possible many times out of all times!