Although I agree with Funkeruski, the XM50 has such a narrow field of view and high base magnification, it really isn't conducive to scanning with the rifle. If you didn't want to look through the scope the whole time, Pulsar has the StreamVision app, and you could transmit to a phone and rotate the gun on a tripod and watch via the screen. However, as already mentioned the extremely small field of view, will limit the effectiveness of this process.
Anything you choose for a light is going to diminish the effectiveness of the using the thermal. Nothing is going to spot them as far as your thermal will. Once you can see them with the lights (if you haven't spooked them already), they are probably getting pretty close to use the XM50.
This is going to be hard to hear, but I would recommend going with a different thermal scope with a wider field of view if you want to scan with your rifle or even better going with a thermal scanner, and shooting with thermal, night vision, or digital night vision (if you are trying to save money). It doesn't sound like the XM50 was the best option for your needs. Sorry, I know that isn't what anybody wants to hear.