Hunter Ethics

While hunting laws preserve wildlife, ethics preserve the hunter's opportunity to hunt. Because ethics generally govern behavior that affects public opinion of hunters, ethical behavior ensures that hunters are welcome and hunting areas stay open.

Ethics generally cover behavior that has to do with issues of fairness, respect, and responsibility not covered by laws. For instance, it's not illegal to be rude to a landowner when hunting on his or her property or to be careless and fail to close a pasture gate after opening it, but most hunters agree that discourteous and irresponsible behavior is unethical.

Then there are ethical issues that are just between the hunter and nature. For example, an animal appears beyond a hunter's effective range for a clean kill. Should the hunter take the shot anyway and hope to get lucky? Ethical hunters would say no.

When Approached by a Conservation Agent

If you are approached by a Conservation Agent in the field, remember they are doing their job—ensuring compliance with the Wildlife Code. Most hunters contacted by Conservation Agents are obeying wildlife laws. As the Agent approaches, keep the muzzle of your firearm pointed in a safe direction and follow the instructions given by the Agent. The Agent may ask to inspect your permits, firearms, game containers, and any wildlife you may possess. The law requires that you allow this inspection upon request of a Conservation Agent or other law enforcement officer. If you have questions about regulations or local information, please wait until the Agent has completed the inspection before asking your questions. Most field checks are completed quickly, so be courteous and cooperative. Responsible hunters know and understand the regulations before going hunting and ensure that everyone in their party follows the rules.

ethics: Moral principles or values that distinguish between right and wrong; they are unwritten rules that society expects to be followed.