A young friend e-mailed me this Hunters Pledge.
It pretty much says it all.
The overwelming majority of hunters follow these guidelines already.
I posted it here for new hunters and so the non-hunters can see what we are all about.
A Hunter's Pledge
As a Hunter, I pledge to:
Respect the environment and wildlife:
Show respect for the wildlife you hunt by taking only clean, killing shots, then retrieving and properly handling your game. Take only what you will use and abide by the legal limits.
Learn to tread lightly while afield. Use vehicles only on established roads and trails, practice low-impact camping and travel and pack out your trash, including cigarette butts and spent shell casings.
Report any illegal activities immediately.
Respect Property and Land Owners:
Always get permission to hunt on private land.
Close any gates you open and never damage crops or property, including fences, outbuildings and livestock.
Alert landowners, land managers or club managers about any problems you find on the property.
Share your game with the landowner, or say thank you in some other way.
Show Consideration for Non-hunters:
Remember that the future of hunting depends upon hunters and non-hunters alike. Be considerate of non-hunters sensibilities and strive to leave them with positive images of hunting and hunters.
Don't flaunt your kill. Treat game carcasses in an inoffensive manner, particularly during transport.
Be considerate of all outdoor users, including other hunters.
Hunt Safely:
Exercise caution at all times.
Fire your gun or bow only when your are absolutely sure of your target and its background. Use binoculars, not your rifle scope, to identify your target.
Wear blaze orange whenever appropriate or required by law while afield.
Remember that hunting and alcohol do not mix. Drugs are illegal anytime.
Know and Obey the Law:
Obtain proper tags and licenses. Your license fees are used to conserve and protect our resources.
Hunt only in allowed areas and during designated times and seasons. Read hunting regulations carefully. If you do not agree with a law or a ban, assert your rights but do not break any existing laws.
Obey bag and possession limits.
Use only legal hunting methods and equipment.
Support Wildlife and Habitat Conservation:
Provide hands-on and financial support for conservation of game and non-game species and their habitats.
Learn more about wildlife and habitat issues and urge policymakers to support strong conservation initiatives.
Become involved in wildlife conservation organizations and their programs.
Purchase state and federal wildlife conservation stamps, even if such stamps are not required for hunting.
Pass on an Ethical Hunting Tradition:
Invite a young person or a non-hunter next time you go afield to scout or hunt.
Attend a hunter education course and urge others to do the same.
Set high ethical standards for future generations of hunters to help ensure hunting will continue.
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