Ethics in Hunting

Principles of fair chase, sportsmanship, and respect for wildlife and habitats; fosters a positive public image of hunting.

Related Terms

Quarry

The animal or bird being hunted or pursued in the field.

View Term: Quarry

Defensive Shot

A last-resort shot taken when an animal (e.g., bear) charges or poses imminent danger, emphasizin...

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Hunter Education Certification

Proof of completing a state-approved hunter safety course; commonly required for purchasing hunti...

View Term: Hunter Education Certification

Atlatl

A primitive tool for throwing spears or darts with enhanced speed and distance; legal for certain...

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4-H Shooting Sports

A youth program teaching firearm and archery basics, emphasizing safety and responsible marksmans...

View Term: 4-H Shooting Sports

Wildlife Biologist

A professional who studies wildlife populations and habitats, advising on hunting seasons, bag li...

View Term: Wildlife Biologist

Blood Trailing

Following blood signs to locate a wounded animal and ensure ethical recovery.

View Term: Blood Trailing

Best Practices for Deer Feeders

Guidelines for installing and maintaining deer feeders safely and ethically to prevent overconcen...

View Term: Best Practices for Deer Feeders

Vital Area

The heart-lung region of an animal where a shot ensures a swift, humane kill.

View Term: Vital Area

Bloodhound Tracking

Using trained dogs (often bloodhounds) to track the scent trail of a wounded animal, facilitating...

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Warm Weather Hunting

Pursuing game in hot conditions, requiring quick field dressing, proper meat cooling, and extra h...

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Deer Management Permit

A special permit allowing harvest beyond standard tags (e.g., culling does) for population contro...

View Term: Deer Management Permit

Stalking

Moving quietly on foot to approach game without alerting it; requires wind awareness, camouflage,...

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African Big Game Safari

Hunting large African species (e.g., Cape buffalo, kudu) requiring special documentation and impo...

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Low Impact Hunting

Methods aiming to minimize disturbance to wildlife and habitat, such as walking quietly, limiting...

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Bowfishing

Using specialized archery equipment (reel-attached bows) to hunt fish in shallow water.

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Turkey Call

A device (box, slate, diaphragm) used to mimic turkey vocalizations, essential for luring toms du...

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Air Gun Hunting

Pursuing small game or certain species with high-powered pneumatic rifles; legality and permitted...

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Whitetail Rut

The breeding season for whitetail deer, characterized by increased buck activity and aggression.

View Term: Whitetail Rut

Beneficial Hatching

Successful hatching of bird eggs in the wild, naturally bolstering populations of upland birds or...

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Bear Bag

A storage method of hanging food and scented items high off the ground in bear country to reduce ...

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Legal Shooting Hours

The specific times of day (e.g., half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset) during which...

View Term: Legal Shooting Hours

Landowner Permission

Required approval from a private property owner to hunt on their land; often in writing for legal...

View Term: Landowner Permission

.410 Bore

The smallest common shotgun bore, suitable for small game or beginner shooters; limited shot volu...

View Term: .410 Bore

Waterfowl Warden

A conservation officer focused on enforcing waterfowl regulations (e.g., checking licenses, bag l...

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Fair Chase

The idea of pursuing game in a manner not giving hunters an improper advantage; includes abiding ...

View Term: Fair Chase

Road Hunting

Hunting while traveling on or near public roads, often illegal or heavily restricted due to safet...

View Term: Road Hunting

Wildlife Habitat

The natural environment supporting a particular species; habitat conservation is vital for sustai...

View Term: Wildlife Habitat

Urban Deer Hunt

Managed hunts within city limits to control deer populations and reduce incidents like vehicle co...

View Term: Urban Deer Hunt

Still Hunting

An approach where the hunter moves very slowly, stopping often to watch for game; differs from st...

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Wounding Loss

When an animal is shot but not recovered; hunter education stresses shot placement, tracking, and...

View Term: Wounding Loss

Prairie Dog Hunting

A form of varmint or pest control used for marksmanship practice; subject to varying regulations.

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Aerial Hunting

Using aircraft (helicopter or fixed-wing) to control certain species like feral hogs or coyotes; ...

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Advanced Hunter Education

Additional training beyond basic hunter safety, covering advanced topics like wildlife management...

View Term: Advanced Hunter Education

Hunting Pressure

The intensity of hunting activity in an area; heavy pressure can make game more alert and elusive.

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Hunter Ethics

Moral guidelines like respecting bag limits, ensuring quick kills, and following fair chase princ...

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Black Bear

A widely distributed North American bear species requiring specialized tactics (spot-and-stalk, b...

View Term: Black Bear

Hunter Safety Guides Hunter Education

David Harrison · February 27, 2025