Effective November 18, 2009, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission changed their guidelines for distance learning. Students are now required to spend a minimum amount of time on each course page before proceeding to the certification exam.

Click here to go to the latest version of the Today's Hunter in North Carolina online course—the official hunter education course of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your North Carolina certification.

The Hunter's Ethical Code

As Aldo Leopold, the “father of wildlife management,” once said, “Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching—even when doing the wrong thing is legal.”

The ethical code hunters use today has been developed by sportsmen over time. Most hunting organizations agree that responsible hunters do the following.

Wildlife habitat

Respect Natural Resources

Leave the land better than you found it.
Adhere to fair chase rules.
Know your capabilities and limitations as a marksman, and stay within your effective range.
Strive for a quick, clean kill.
Ensure that meat and usable parts are not wasted.
Treat both game and non-game animals ethically.
Abide by game laws and regulations.
Cooperate with conservation officers.
Report game violations.

Respect Other Hunters

Follow safe firearm handling practices, and insist your companions do the same.
Refrain from interfering with another’s hunt.
Avoid consuming alcohol, which can impair you to the point of endangering others.
Share your knowledge and skills with others.