R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Find Out What it Means to You

Respect is one of the most important qualities you can have in hunting.

Respect

• Other hunters 
• Your weapon 
• The animals 
• The environment you’re in 
• Laws 

Hunting is not something where you can just buy a gun and go out into the woods to shoot an animal. You need to take a hunter’s safety course, find out more about the hunting laws, and learn how to hunt first.

I applaud anyone who is interested in becoming a serious hunter without family or friends that already hunt. I learned everything I know from my family through years of stories and tag-a-long hunting trips. I couldn’t imagine learning it any other way.

Someone who is learning about hunting needs to understand the dangers. You have to be careful of your weapon (always have the safety on until the minute you’re about to shoot an animal and don’t shoot until you are absolutely positive what you’re shooting at,) and other hunters (wear the required amount of orange and be aware of other hunters in the area.) Also know the area you are in. Are there any dangerous animals that could be near (bears, wild pigs, cougars, snakes, other predators?) What is the weather usually like in the area (quick changing weather or consistent patterns?)

After the safety issues, respecting nature and the animals is one of the most important things in my strong opinion. When killing an animal, it needs to be humane and quick. That's why the target spot on big game is the heart. I don't care if you do some kind of ritual after killing an animal, but somewhere in your mind you need to understand that the animal died to be food for you. It is not an object it was a living creature. Hunting is a natural part of the food chain though, and it is necessary. If you only get one thing out of this idea let it be that nature and animals are an important part of life, not just objects to do with as we please.

Finally you need to respect hunting laws. I know that sometimes they can be frustrating, but they really are there to make everything better for everyone.

Biggest Rules to Follow

• Don't hunt out of season 
• Don't drink and hunt 
• Don't drive with any ammo in the chamber of a gun 
• Only point your weapon at something you intend to kill 
• Shoot and tag only your animal 
• Keep evidence of sex on the animal 
• Wear the proper amount of orange 
• Only hunt on land you have permission for