Hunting Ethically

Behaving Responsibly With Landowners

Hunting land is owned either privately or publicly.

• Public lands include the state and national parks, Bureau of Land Management properties in some states, and state and national forests. Everyone in the U.S. shares these lands. A town, a city, the state, or the federal government may manage public land.
• Individuals, families, groups of people, businesses, and corporations also may own land. Private landowners may:
  • Own significant amounts of private land in some states.
  • Allow anyone they choose to enter the land they own.
  • Allow hunting on their property.
  • Charge a fee for hunting done on their property.
  • Allow no hunting at all.
• Responsible, ethical hunters must show respect for the land and the landowner or manager just as they show respect for wildlife. It is your responsibility to know if you are allowed to hunt in a particular location.
  • Always ask for permission before you hunt on private land.
    • Ask well before the hunting season opens.
    • Explain to the landowner that you have successfully completed a hunter education course and know the basic safety rules.
    • Ask where you may hunt and what areas, if any, you should avoid.
    • If permission is granted, show respect for the land by leaving no trace of your activities. Pack out trash, bury any human waste, and pick up empty cartridges. If you hunt using an off-road vehicle, stay on established trails.
    • Never hunt near domestic animals or buildings.
    • Let the landowner know when you are leaving. If you have taken game, offer to share some of the meat with the landowner.
  • Show the same respect for the public lands that belong to all of us. People use public lands for many reasons, including camping, hiking, and watching wildlife. Respecting others’ use of public lands is part of being a responsible hunter.

Landowner Complaints About Hunters

• Don’t get permission to hunt.
• Don’t tell the landowners when they arrive at or leave the property.
• Make too much noise.
• Leave litter behind.
• Carry loaded firearms in vehicles.
• Drive off the ranch roads.
• Don’t leave gates as they were found (open or shut) when the hunter arrived.
• Shoot too close to neighbors or livestock.
• Leave fires unattended.
• Violate game laws.
• Drink alcohol. Alcohol should NEVER be part of a hunt.

Hunting Opportunities on Public Lands

All states have federal- or state-owned public lands that are available for hunting. Public lands may have special regulations that regulate hunting on these properties and may require special permits. Be sure to check with your state’s wildlife management agency and obtain maps before you go out to hunt.

Public lands that may be open for hunting are:

• State parks and forests
• State-owned wildlife management areas
• National parks and forests
• National Wildlife Refuge properties
• Bureau of Land Management properties
• Bureau of Reclamation properties

Hunting is a privilege and can be taken away if hunters fail to act responsibly.