Ethics and Awareness
We, as deer hunters, are also battling large groups of well funded anti-hunters. These anti-hunting organizations are always on the lookout for examples of unethical deer hunting practices that will turn public opinion against hunting. As hunters, we must practice good hunting ethics; we cannot give them the headlines they are looking for. Our ethical and moral conduct must set the example. We must treat with respect, the sport of deer hunting. It is a privilege that can be taken away from us if we lose sight of this principle. We also must be willing to do our part to stop unethical behavior by speaking up.
As ethical hunters we must respect public and private hunting lands and not disrespect laws or trespass. On deer hunts, and even on guided deer hunts, always ask permission to hunt on private property or another hunters private hunting land, and give sincere thanks for the opportunity, even if denied. An ethical hunter must respect another deer hunter’s right to be hunting in the same area. If a hunter wanders onto your private hunting lands, and you do not want them there, kindly explain your situation and ask them to leave in a respectful manner. Treat other hunters and anybody who may be in your hunting area as you would want to be treated.
Hunt ethically and know your hunting firearms.
If you are archery hunting; (or for that matter, the use of any legal firearm) you must follow up on any shot you take at a deer. At times a wounded deer will not show any signs of being hit. I’ve shot deer in which the arrow has passed clear through the deer and it did not show any sign of distress. No jump, no shock, not even a higher sense of alertness. You must not assume you missed just because you didn’t see the deer fall. Sometimes a wounded deer will not leave a blood trail for the first twenty or thirty yards. At times they will bleed heavily for the first hundred yards or so, and then just a drop of blood here or there. An ethical deer hunter will then mark every spot of blood, get on their hands and knees, look and look again. You should have a day-pack with hunting supplies; or in your hunting gear, have items that you can mark the blood trail with. A responsible hunter, who is also an ethical hunter, will be prepared to spend hours into the night trailing a wounded deer; even come back the next day if needed. You must make every effort to retrieve a wounded animal. It’s the right ethical thing to do.
Hunting Ethics and Young Deer Hunters
We must mentor young deer hunters and teach ethical hunting to them. They will learn from out actions. Many times, young deer hunters will mimic older hunters and do as they do. We must be aware of this at all times when mentoring a young hunter. Remember: Actions speak louder than words!