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How to Hunt Responsibly
From your Hunting/Shooting Guide
As hunters, we are rightfully expected to do so in a responsible way. Here's how to make sure you don't hurt hunting by setting a poor example.
Here's How:
- Use care and common sense with guns. Don't wave your gun around, point it at anyone or prop your chin on the upturned muzzle. Don't shoot at any target without a safe backstop. Don't take wild shots at game.
- Follow up on all shots, even if you think you missed. If you cared enough to fire a shot, you'd better be prepared to track and retrieve the game.
- Don't flaunt your kill. Sometimes it makes more sense to transport game in view of others, and sometimes it doesn't. Use good judgement, because your decision could negatively affect how non-hunters view hunting.
- Respect other hunters. We'd all love to have the woods all to ourselves, but that's not possible for most of us. If you find you've set up next to another hunter or walked into an area he's hunting, the thing to do is leave quietly.
- Keep the woods clean. This can't be stressed enough, although I shouldn't have to mention it at all. Leave any hunting or camping area cleaner than it was when you arrived. Carry out all of your trash and any other you may find.
- Be respectful of non-hunters in the woods. I know it's tough to be patient when a group of idiots on mountain bikes barrel past your stand in the middle of deer season, but there's no sense in acting like a jerk about it.
- Respect the belongings of others. Most hunters won't mind finding someone sitting in their stand, as long as it hasn't been abused. Leave cushions, straps, ropes, etc, alone and don't leave a mess. Should you find hunting gear, leave it.
- Show your respect for animals by taking only the best shots. If the game can't be hit in such a way as to put it down immediately, then you shouldn't take the shot. Quick, clean kills are the kind to strive for.
- Know the law where you hunt. There is no reason to go hunting without knowing what's legal and what's not. Take a little time to learn before you hit the woods.
- Obey rules and regulations. If the regs tell you not to drive objects into trees, don't drive nails or screws into trees! Whether it makes sense to you or not, obey the rules.
Tips:
- If you should run into non-hunters while hunting, politely tell them that there are hunters out there and ask them to hike/bike/ride their horses some other time or place. Tell them that hunters pay for most public areas, not general taxes.
Related Information:
More How To's from your Guide to Hunting/Shooting
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