The Hunter's Ethical Code (continued)

Respect Non-Hunters

• Transport animals discreetly—don’t display them.
• Keep firearms out of sight.
• Refrain from taking graphic photographs of the kill and from vividly describing the kill while within earshot of non-hunters.
• Maintain a presentable appearance while on the street—no bloody or dirty clothing.

How To Behave If Confronted by Anti-Hunter Protesters

• Remain calm and polite, and do not engage in arguments—never lose your temper.
• Never touch an anti-hunter or use any physical force, and especially never threaten an anti-hunter with your firearm.
• Report hunter harassment to law enforcement authorities. If possible, record the vehicle license number of harassers.

Personal Choice

As in every human endeavor, there are gray areas of ethical behavior that come down to a matter of personal choice.

Examples of gray areas of ethical behavior, which may even be illegal in some locales, are:

• Baiting deer with corn or protein pellets
• Shooting birds on the ground, on the water, or in trees
• Shooting from a vehicle or boat within private boundaries or on private waters

	Hunters have a duty to police their own ranks. Most states have a toll-free hotline to report poachers.
You can exert positive peer pressure by setting a safe and ethical example. In this way, you help others become safer, more ethical hunters. Those who violate hunting laws are stealing not only from you and your positive efforts but also from future generations of hunters.