Responsibility and Respect

All hunters have a personal code of conduct dictating how they act. There are many different personal codes of conduct. People hunt differently in different parts of the country. Individuals place personal limits on how they pursue game based on their skills and abilities. One thing is universal. A good code of conduct includes actions and attitudes that show responsibility and respect.

 Respect for laws: Before you hunt, ask, "Is this legal?"
Know and obey laws and regulations. Support law enforcement officers. Report violations immediately and get as much information as possible about the crime–for example, location, number of suspects, time, date, license plate numbers, etc.

 Respect for other people including yourself, landowners, other hunters and non-hunters: Before you hunt, ask "Is this safe?" and "Is this sporting?"
Friendly, courteous behavior and good sportsmanship go a long way toward reducing the potential for conflicts with other people. Being safe and in control shows respect for other people. One of the extremely important ways that hunters show respect for landowners is by asking them for permission before hunting on their land.

 Respect for wildlife: Before you hunt, ask "Is this practical?"
Shoot only if you are certain you can make a clean, one-shot kill. Shoot only if you can pursue and retrieve your game. Take good care of your game meat. Eating the meat of the animals you kill is important. Know the habits and habitats of game and other wildlife.

 Responsibility for your actions: Before you hunt, ask "Is this the right thing to do?"
Pursue game fairly. Know your personal limits and stay within them.

Remember everything you do while hunting has consequences. Every person you talk to, every fence you cross and every shot you take matters. Be responsible, no matter who is watching! Be responsible, even if no one is watching!