Hunter’s Code of Ethics

“Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching- even when doing the wrong thing is legal.”

― Aldo Leopold

Hunting is more than a pursuit. It is a responsibility. It is a way of life rooted in respect for wildlife, the land, fellow hunters, landowners, and the public. Every hunter carries not only a weapon, but also the reputation of all hunters. Our conduct in the field and beyond determines how hunting is viewed, understood, and protected for future generations.

Now I’m not standing on my soap box preaching its not lost on me that I am not perfect nor do I claim to be, but one thing in my life I strive for is to be better than the man I was yesterday..

As ethical hunters, we commit ourselves to the following principles:

1. Respect Natural Resources

We will leave the land better than we found it.
We will follow the principles of fair chase and pursue game in a manner that honors the animal and the tradition of hunting.
We will know our capabilities and limitations as marksmen and never shoot beyond our effective range.
We will always strive for a quick, clean, and humane kill.
We will ensure that meat and all usable parts of harvested animals are properly cared for and never wasted.
We will treat both game and non-game animals ethically and with respect.
We will abide by all hunting laws, regulations, seasons, and bag limits, and we will review them annually to remain informed of any changes.
We will cooperate fully with conservation officers and report violations when we see them.
We will learn the animals we hunt, including their habits, habitats, and role within the ecosystem.
We will recognize the fragile nature of wild places and do our part to protect wildlife, habitat, clean water, clean air, forests, wetlands, and soils.

2. Respect Other Hunters

We will practice safe firearm handling at all times and insist that those around us do the same.
We will never interfere with another person’s hunt.
We will respect the unwritten rule of first come, first served. If another hunter is already at a location, we will not encroach, create conflict, or compromise their hunt. We will always have a backup plan.
We will be good to one another and remember that, regardless of species, state, weapon, or method, we are all part of the same community and the same last line protecting our way of life.
We will be courteous in the field and respect the space, effort, and experience of others.
We will minimize unnecessary use of lights, noise, or other behavior that disrupts the hunt for others.
We will finish what we start, including properly recovering and caring for harvested animals before moving on.
We will share knowledge, skills, and encouragement with fellow hunters, especially those who are new to the lifestyle.
We will avoid alcohol and any substance that impairs judgment, safety, or responsibility while hunting.

3. Leave No Trace

We will follow the leave-no-trace principle on both public and private land.
We will pack out all trash, spent casings, food wrappers, and debris.
We will respect the land by minimizing our impact and caring for the habitat we use.
We will never use rocks, signs, trees, or other natural or public objects for target practice. We will sight in our rifles at a proper range.
We will use designated fire areas or proper fire pits and exercise caution to prevent wildfire risk.
We understand that there is nothing more disrespectful than entering a remote place and finding someone else’s mess. We will never be that person.

4. Respect Landowners

We will always ask permission before hunting private land.
We will honor the landowner’s rules about when, where, and how we may hunt.
We will treat livestock, crops, fences, roads, gates, and property as if they were our own.
We will leave all gates exactly as we found them.
We will notify the landowner immediately if we see something wrong, damaged, or out of place.
We will never enter cultivated, fenced, or posted private property without permission.
When appropriate, we will show gratitude by offering thanks, respect, and even a portion of the harvest.

5. Respect Non-Hunters

We understand that every interaction with a non-hunter matters.
We will be polite, helpful, respectful, and forthcoming so that others see hunters for who we truly are, good people not what is portrayed by anti-hunting.
We will transport harvested animals discreetly and avoid unnecessary display.
We will keep firearms out of sight when not in the field.
We will avoid graphic photos, bloody clothing, or vivid descriptions of a kill in public or on social media.
We will present ourselves in a way that reflects dignity, professionalism, and respect for the animals we pursue.
We will educate ourselves on the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation so that we can clearly explain what hunting means, why it matters, and how it supports wildlife and habitat.
We will be ready to share, in a few honest words, what hunting means to us and our families.

6. Social Media Responsibility

We recognize that in today’s world, every hunter is a spokesperson for hunting.
We will hold ourselves accountable for how we present ourselves online and in public.
We will post responsibly and tastefully, knowing that a single image can be manipulated or used out of context by those who oppose hunting.
We will not post content that is graphic, disrespectful, wasteful, or likely to turn away non-hunters.
We will tell the full story of the hunt whenever possible — the effort, the landscape, the people, the food, the gratitude, and the purpose behind the harvest. Don’t let an anti-hunter tell your story!
We will share the human side of hunting: the meals, the camaraderie, the tradition, the stewardship, and the responsibility.
We will not give anti-hunters an easy target or make ourselves the poster child for poor judgment.

7. Shared Use of the Outdoors

We recognize the rights and privileges of others who share the same lands and waters.
We believe in ethical, balanced, and respectful multiple use of natural resources.
We reject attitudes and actions that seek to exclude others unfairly from the outdoors.
We understand that competition for land and resources is increasing and that hunting remains vulnerable when the public sees it as selfish, careless, or unethical.
We will do our part to model responsible, shared, and balanced use of the outdoors.

8. Protecting the Future of Hunting

We understand that public support for hunting is conditional, not guaranteed.
When hunting is seen as ethical, conservation-minded, food-driven, and respectful, public support remains strong.
When hunting is seen as cruel, wasteful, arrogant, or irresponsible, support declines.
Because of this, we will hold ourselves to a higher standard.
We will support conservation organizations that protect wildlife, habitat, forests, wetlands, water, and access.
We will pass on to younger hunters the attitudes, values, ethics, and skills necessary to become responsible outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen.
We will remember that our actions speak not only for ourselves, but for all hunters.

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Hunter’s Ethical Pledge

I will respect the land, the wildlife, and the people with whom I share the outdoors.
I will hunt legally, ethically, and responsibly.
I will pursue game fairly, kill cleanly, waste nothing, and leave no trace.
I will honor landowners, respect fellow hunters, and represent hunting well to non-hunters.
I will avoid actions that degrade the safety, image, or quality of the sport.
I will support science-based conservation and help protect the future of hunting for generations to come.
I will return a gift to wildlife and leave this tradition stronger than it was given to me.