The Hunter's Ethical Code (continued)

Contact the landowner while wearing street clothes and well in advance
of when you wish to hunt.

How To Ask Landowners for Permission

• Make contact well ahead of the hunting season.
• Wear street clothes—no hunting gear or firearms.
• Don’t bring companions—a “crowd” could be intimidating.
• Be polite, even if permission is denied. Your courtesy may affect the outcome of future requests.

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 to excess.

Hunting Opportunities on Public Lands

All states have federal- or state-owned public lands that are available for hunting. Public lands may have regulations that control hunting on these properties and may require special permits. Check with your state’s wildlife agency and get maps before you go.

Public lands that may be open for hunting:

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