The Ethical Hunter
To help carry on the tradition of our sport we all need to be ethical hunters. The core of hunter responsibility is our personal moral values. The law does not stop us from doing many things that ethically should not be done, but as hunters with principles, we know what is right. One of the most beneficial and ethical activities is to bring a kid hunting and teach him safety and the skills and values needed to be an ethical hunter.
When a hunter acts ethically they are indeed holding themselves to a high level of responsibility. This hunter asks for permission to hunt on private lands, and may pass up shots that are possible but may only wound birds. They will also know and follow the basic firearm rules.
Basic Firearm Rules:
- Treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
- Have the safety on until ready to fire.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
- Be sure of your target and what lies beyond it before firing.
- Never place or carry a loaded firearm in or on a motor vehicle.
- Never use a firearm unless you are familiar with how it works.
- Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.
- Never cross a fence, climb a tree, cross a stream, or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm.
- Never point a firearm at anything you do not want to shoot.
- Unload firearms when they are not in use. Store firearms and ammunition separately in locked cabinets.
- Never use alcohol or drugs before or during shooting.
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