| Learning the basics of safe hunting is not | | | | During the stand, these should be worn by a |
| all that there is to it. A hunter must | | | | hunter at all times and never taken off even |
| develop some responsibilities that come with | | | | once. |
| participating in the sport. While unwritten | | | | |
| rules make an ethical hunter, a profound | | | | Hunters are tasked to keep separately their |
| understanding of sporting codes, wildlife | | | | ammunitions and guns in storage that are |
| management and game laws are as significant | | | | locked. They are directed never to shoot |
| as handling hunting ammunitions and weapons | | | | unless they are absolutely certain of their |
| safely. | | | | targets. It is also protocol for these |
| | | | hunters to know their weapon's range, because |
| Professional hunting groups teach and expect | | | | even a .22 rimfire of a gun can travel to |
| their members to adhere to all safety rules. | | | | over two and a half miles. Eye and ear |
| Hunting hobbyists do their best to obtain | | | | protections are a must when hunters are on |
| hunting and marksmanship skills that assure | | | | the field, shooting. |
| clean sportsmanship. Hunters are also proud | | | | |
| supporters of wildlife conservation efforts; | | | | Gun action and barrels should at all times be |
| this support in turn ensures good hunting for | | | | clear of obstructions. Hunters are expected |
| generations to come. | | | | to know this by heart. Hunting gurus are also |
| | | | strictly asked to carry ammunition that is |
| During camping, hunters are expected to keep | | | | only intended for the hunting weapon that |
| their campsites neat and inoffensive. It is | | | | they are currently using. Hunters are also |
| unethical to openly display their kill in | | | | observed to be always carrying handguns in |
| their vehicle or during camp. | | | | which their hammers are down on an unfilled |
| | | | chamber. |
| To a certain extent, experienced hunters know | | | | |
| very well not to rely on their weapon's | | | | During hunting camps, hunters are assigned to |
| safety. To ensure paramount safety, hunters | | | | buddies whom they inform on which part of the |
| should treat all hunting guns and weapons as | | | | area they intend to hunt and when they are |
| if they were fully loaded or ready to fire. | | | | expected to return. Hunters are expected to |
| They are expected to never climb trees, stand | | | | promptly notify in case plans on an area of |
| or jump in ditches or cross fences while | | | | target changes at any given time. |
| carrying a loaded gun. They are neither | | | | |
| allowed to winch a loaded gun to a stand nor | | | | Other basic rules include dressing |
| to load and then carry loaded weapon until | | | | appropriately for the weather, taking maps |
| these are for actual use. Before hopping to | | | | and compass so as not to lose track of the |
| vehicles, weapons should at all times be | | | | area, and being vigilant for other possible |
| unloaded. | | | | sources of threat. Just like any outdoor |
| | | | hobbyists, hunters are expected to carry |
| The skilled hunters always watch their muzzle | | | | flashlights with them during their walks |
| so that other fellows don't have to. They are | | | | through and throughout the hunting area. |
| instructed to wear hunting gears in bright | | | | |
| colors, specifically orange, so they can be | | | | The hunting hobby aims to inculcate, |
| clearly seen, even from afar. The gear is | | | | especially to the youngsters, the expertise |
| completed by a hat in blaze orange. According | | | | vital to becoming a true outdoor lover. There |
| to rules, a hunter orange should be worn at | | | | can be no better way to enjoy this pastime |
| around 400 square inches above the body's | | | | that has existed for decades! |
| waistline during all deer hunting seasons. | | | | |