How to Practice Hunting Etiquette
In almost every other case, etiquette is merely politeness and formal rules of conduct to make sure that no one is offended. While hunting, however, practicing good etiquette can save lives. There are a few rules designed for cleanliness and efficiency of the hunt, as well as a few others designed for safety. The practice of good etiquette can lead to the best hunt possible.
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Instructions
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Practice Hunting Safety
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Enroll in a hunting safety course at the beginning of every season. Even if you already know all the information, it is always a good idea to take a refresher course.
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Practice basic hunting safety. Remember the little things, like keeping the safety on until the moment before you shoot.
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Hold your firearm in a non-threatening manner when approached by other hunters, police or conservation officers. If you have a rifle, point it down with your finger away from the trigger. If you are carrying a pistol, put it in its holster.
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4
Take your shot only when you know exactly what you are shooting at. Make sure there is absolutely no room for error, that your target is the animal you are after and, most importantly, that there are no people in the foreground or background of your shot.
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5
Extinguish all fires. Hunting is such a dangerous activity that non-firearm based safety often goes unnoticed or overlooked.
Practice Hunting Etiquette
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Leave your camp or hunting area in better condition than when you found it. Never leave trash and, whenever possible, take the initiative by picking up whatever trash you see left out by other hunters.
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Remember to pick up your shell casings after you fire, as they are often overlooked.
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Yield to other hunters. If you see that another hunter already has a specific animal in her sights, let the hunter have the animal. Respect your peers as you respect the land and the animals.
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Understand that not everyone hunts, and some find the idea atrocious. You should not stop hunting, but you should exercise discretion when handling and transporting the carcass of a kill.
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Use your common sense and be respectful above all things. Not everything prohibited or rude is expressly against the law, but being accommodating to other hunters and the landowners (when applicable) can make it the best experience possible.
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Tips & Warnings
Treat every gun as if it were loaded at all times.
Take hunting laws seriously. Though you may feel alone in the woods, police do patrol hunters, and infractions are prosecuted.
