HUNTING Chapter 16

Hunting as a Sport Hunting is killing game for food and/or recreation. Shooting is non-hunting firing of guns or archery to develop skills in aiming, firing, and accuracy. All people were hunters at one time (before animals were domesticated). Game is a crop produced by the land and harvested by hunters. Hunting is an important wildlife management tool used to maintain a balance between the game populations and the carrying capacity of the habitat.

Hunter Responsibility Good hunters strive to protect and improve the areas where wildlife species grow. Hunter education is required before sport hunting (for safety and legal issues). Hunters should always follow the hunter’s code of ethics.

HUNTER CODE OF ETHICS 1. I will consider myself an invited guest of the landowner, and get permission before using their land. 2. I will obey rules of safe firearm handling and encourage others to do so. 3. I will obey game laws and regulations and insist that my companions do so as well. 4. I will acquire good shooting and hunting skills to ensure sporting kills. 5. I will support conservation efforts to ensure hunting in future years.

HUNTER CODE OF ETHICS 6. I will help other hunters learn skills and attitudes necessary to allow them to become true sport hunters. 7. I will securely store my firearms and ammunition when not in use.

HUNTING CONTROLS Hunting is a highly regulated sport. License – a small written document that shows an individual has paid a fee to legally hunt. Waterfowl hunters must also have a duck stamp. Money from license sales helps fund conservation agencies to improve wildlife.

HUNTING CONTROLS cont’d. Legal species- some species are legal in one state and illegal in another. Severe fines can be given for illegal species harvested. Bag limits – the number of animals that can be harvested in one day or season. Season length – the number of days a species can be hunted in one year. Seasons are “split” for some species. Shooting hours – the time of day when hunting (shooting) can take place.

HUNTING CONTROLS cont’d. Firearm – a tool that propels a projectile(s) by burning gun powder Ammunition – any combination of powder, shot, or bullets used in shotguns, rifles, or pistols. Nontoxic ammo is generally required for waterfowl (steel instead of lead) Firearm discharge – there are restrictions as to where and when you can shoot (city limits, near roads, homes, feed plots, etc.) Clothing – In addition to camo, clothing should protect hunter from cold, thorns, insects, snakes, etc. Most areas require hunter orange.

HUNTING EQUIPMENT Primitive devices – bow and arrow, crossbow, and muzzleloaders Bowhunting – using a bow to propel an arrow Basic equipment includes : a bow, arrows, a quiver, finger/hand protection Bow types include long bows, recurve bows, and compound bows. Arrows are typically 28 inches long Broadhead – arrow tip specialized for hunting

CROSSBOW HUNTING Crossbows were invented in China 2500 years ago It is like a cross between a bow and a gun

MUZZLELOADER HUNTING Muzzleloader is a firearm loaded through the barrel (muzzle) More challenging because it is single shot Usually special season for muzzleloader use

MODERN FIREARMS Shotguns Shotgun – a firearm that fires small pellets in a pettern Barrel has a smooth bore inside Size of the bore is known as gauge (based on how many pure lead balls the size of the bore would weigh one pound) Common gauges are 10, 12, 16, 20, 28, and .410 Example – a 16-gauge shotgun = 16 pure lead balls the size of the bore = 1 pound Come in single-shot, double barrel (over-under and side-by-side), pump action, and automatic

Shotguns cont’d. Barrels come in lengths ranging from 20 – 36 inches Choke – constrictions at the end of the barrel that influence shot pattern Shotgun without a choke is known as a cylinder choke Open chokes are used for small birds (quail, woodcocks) at close range and has a broad pattern Full chokes are used for larger birds (ducks, geese, and turkeys) at greater distances and has a tight pattern

Shotguns cont’d. Shell – container that holds the shot, powder, primer, and wad Shot- pellet of lead or steel; size is determined by diameter of pellet Standard shot sizes range from 12 to 1 (larger the number the smaller the shot) Small birds – use 7 ½ or 8 shot Buckshot pellets are larger and range from #4 to 00 Marksmanship – the ability to hit a target with the shot from a gun Shotguns are pointed, not aimed…both eyes are kept open

RIFLES Rifle is a firearm with a spiral groove inside the bore that shoots a single pointed projectile (bullet) Spiral grooves makes the bullet spin which makes it travel farther and straighter Rifle size is based on bore size and is called caliber Caliber is reported as millimeters or hundredths of an inch (.22, .270, 30.06 caliber, 7 mm, etc.) Rifle ammunition is called a cartridge or round and can be centerfire or rimfire

FIREARM SAFETY RULES Know your firearm (how to load, shoot, unload, and care) Keep firearm in good condition (be sure barrel is open) Treat all firearms as if they are loaded Always control muzzle (only point gun at things you intend to shoot) Be sure of target and what is behind it. Unload firearms when not in use (especially cars/trucks) Never shoot at hard flat surface (bullet may ricochet) Store firearms properly (away from reach of children) Have a clear mind (no alcohol/drugs) Wear PPE when shooting

HUNTING PROCEDURES Quail – hunters typically use “bird dogs” Dogs move ahead of hunters (casting) and freeze/point when they smell birds on the ground Hunters “flush” the birds up and shoot (use care if hunting with others) Downed birds are retrieved by dog

HUNTING PROCEDURES Deer – deer hunters either stalk hunt, still hunt, or dog hunt Stalk hunting – hunter walks slowly and quietly in attempt to see deer Still hunting – hunter is in a blind or tree stand and waits on deer Dog hunting – group of hunters surround area; dog driver follows dogs through the surrounded area