Wildlife Recreational Activities

What is Hunting? Harvesting game for food or pleasure Harvesting game for food or pleasure Recreational activity Recreational activity Management tool to control wildlife populations Management tool to control wildlife populations Monitored by hunting seasons, regulations, and bag limits Monitored by hunting seasons, regulations, and bag limits

Common Game Species Harvested Mourning dove Mourning dove Bobwhite quail Bobwhite quail Whitetail deer Whitetail deer Black bear Black bear Bobcat Bobcat Wild turkey Wild turkey Red fox Red fox Rabbit Coyotes Wild hogs

Hunting as a Conservation Practice Regulated hunting can be a useful tool in successfully managing wildlife populations Regulated hunting can be a useful tool in successfully managing wildlife populations If populations exceed carrying capacity, then populations may starve causing herd health to weaken If populations exceed carrying capacity, then populations may starve causing herd health to weaken

Hunter Responsibilities Protect and improve wildlife areas Protect and improve wildlife areas Follow all hunting regulations Follow all hunting regulations Complete hunter education courses Complete hunter education courses Only hunt in approved areas Only hunt in approved areas –Trespassing: enters property without permission –Posted land: land marked with signage Use safe procedures when operating a weapon Use safe procedures when operating a weapon Exhibit ethical behaviors Exhibit ethical behaviors –Report poachers »Poachers – people who kill animals illegally

Hunter’s Ethical Code Respect Natural Resources Respect Natural Resources –Respect Natural Resources »Leave the land better than you found it »Adhere to fair chase rules »Know your capabilities as a marksman »Strive for a quick, clean kill »Ensure that meat and usable parts are not wasted »Abide by game laws and regulations »Cooperate with conservation officers »Report game violations

Hunter’s Ethical Code Respect Other Hunters Respect Other Hunters –Follow safe firearm handling practices and insist their companions do the same –Refrain from interfering with another’s hunt –Avoid consuming alcohol –Share knowledge and skill with others

Hunter’s Ethical Code Respect Landowners Respect Landowners –Ask landowners for permission to hunt –Follow their restrictions on when and where you may hunt –Treat livestock and crops as your own –Offer to share a part of your harvest with the owner

Hunter’s Ethical Code Respect Non-Hunters Respect Non-Hunters –Transport animals discretely—don’t display them –Keep firearms out of sight –Refrain from taking graphic photographs of the skill and from vividly describing the kill within earshot of non-hunters –Maintain a presentable appearance while on the street—no bloody or dirty clothing

State and Federal Hunting Controls Controls may include: Controls may include: –License: document verifying legal status –Legal species: species that can be harvested –Bag Limits: amount of one specie killed during day/season –Hunting Season: period specie may be hunted –Shooting Hours: when harvesting may occur –Hunting Gear: all devices used for harvesting/protection –Ammunition: used in firearms –Firearm Discharge: where and when is restricted –Clothing: required to hunters to wear orange

Major Types of Hunting Gear Primitive Devices: Primitive Devices: –Bowhunting –Crossbow Hunting –Muzzleload Modern Firearms Modern Firearms –Shotgun »Parts »Smooth bore »Fire small pellets »Common gauge sizes are: 12, 16, 20 or.410 »Choke Patterns Rifle: –Parts »Spiral bore »One shot from a cartridge »Common calibers:.22,.270, 30.06, etc in millimeters

Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety 1. Muzzle 1. Muzzle 2. Trigger 2. Trigger 3. Action 3. Action 4. Target 4. Target 5. Check your barrel and ammunition 5. Check your barrel and ammunition 6. Point a firearm only at something you intend to shoot 6. Point a firearm only at something you intend to shoot 7. Don’t run, jump, or climb with a loaded firearm 8. Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or water 9. Store firearms and ammunition separately and safely 10. Avoid alcoholic beverages before and during shooting

4 Major Causes of Hunting/Firearm Accidents Hunter Judgment Mistakes: Mistaking another person for game, not checking background and foreground Hunter Judgment Mistakes: Mistaking another person for game, not checking background and foreground Safety Rule Violation: pointing muzzle in unsafe direction, ignoring proper procedures for crossing fences etc. Safety Rule Violation: pointing muzzle in unsafe direction, ignoring proper procedures for crossing fences etc. Lack of Control and Practice: can lead to accidental discharges and stray shots Mechanical failures: obstructed barrel or improper ammunition