Respect for Game

An ethical hunter will show respect for the game being hunted. They will consider the shot to ensure a quick, clean kill, and will not take a shot if the animal is outside their effective range. They will not engage in any activity that could pose harm or injury to animals. Respect for game animals being hunted is evolving into new considerations. In the truest sense of the term “hunting,” a hunter should try to get as close to the game as possible to ensure a quick, clean kill before taking the shot.

As technology evolves, a hunter needs to be prepared for scenarios that can impact the opportunity for getting close and ensuring a clean kill. If a hunter can now take a very long range shot, and wants to take it just to be able to say they took the shot, is this ethical? Is it in the scope of fair chase? Is it respectful to the animal? Keep in mind, the longer the shot, the greater the chance that an element outside your control could influence the shot, causing a miss or injury to the animal. Can the hunter ensure a quick, clean kill if the injured animal is running away and increasing the range?

1. Only take a well-placed shot in a vital area of the game species you are permitted to take.
2. Know your limitations. Be mindful of your effective shot range. Avoid extreme distance shots, risky angles and situations where you do not feel confident in your shot. Strive for a quick, clean harvest.
3. Select appropriate equipment for your quarry. Be aware of the equipment’s limitations and your effective range. Practice to ensure an accurate shot.
4. Respect your personal capabilities under various conditions that you could encounter during a hunt. Consider your general health and physical condition as well as the weather and elevation in the area you plan to hunt. Hunt areas that are within your physical limitations.
5. Bowhunters should keep in mind that shots at greater distances may result in the quarry moving before the arrow reaches it. Kinetic energy is extremely important on larger game animals as energy is lost at longer distances, which can result in wounded or lost game.
6. Learn about the habits and habitat of the game species you are hunting.
7. Make every possible effort to recover game.
8. Adhere to the rules of fair chase.
9. Follow up every shot at game with a search for sign. You cannot always tell immediately that an animal has been hit.