GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP REFRESHER

Being a good hunter doesn't just mean being handy with a shotgun or being an expert with a bird call. Being a good hunter also means being an ethical hunter.

Most sportsmen understand this and exhibit ethical hunting practices 100 percent of the time, which is why they are good hunters. But the few who don't can and do make things rough on the rest of us.

Unfortunately, anti-hunting groups continue to point to the unethical behavior of a few thoughtless individuals to further efforts to restrict hunting.

Good hunters practice being thoughtful by not shooting signs as targets, hunting before or after legal shooting hours, trespassing, taking more than the limit, group hunting (several hunters combining for limits), or practicing poor firearm safety. The number one violation afield is possession of a loaded gun in a vehicle.

What is ethical behavior afield? Being a responsible hunter is mostly common sense, but there are guidelines. CDF&G puts out informational pamphlets in which some of the following is discussed:

* Safety First: Responsible hunters think safety first and shooting game second. This means keeping all firearms unloaded until the hunt is on, maintaining equipment, not using alcohol before going afield, and of course, shooting only when 100 percent sure of the target. Anyone who shoots at or near something other than the intended game or shoots when unsure of the target should not be considered as a future hunting partner.

* Respect for Private and Public Property: One of the things stressed to beginning hunters is to avoid trespassing on private land. Landowners get frustrated with trespassers and may eventually eliminate hunting, thus penalizing everyone. Always get permission first and show respect for the land once on it.

* Understanding and Obeying Laws and Regulations: Responsible hunters understand the regulations for the area and species they are hunting, and report violations to the law, and report property vandalism to landowners.

* Respect your Quarry: Hunters should not take marginal shots (sky busting), they should make every effort to locate crippled or lost game, and properly dress and care for game to prevent meat spoilage. It should be obvious that taking more than the legal limit is not only illegal but unethical and is stealing. As mentioned earlier, group hunting is also unlawful. Each hunter is entitled to a daily bag limit. Helping another fill his or her daily limit is illegal.

* Know your Game: Responsible hunters identify their targets and never take a shot until certain of the species and they don't hunt out of season or before or after legal shooting hours. People who take game out of season are poachers, not hunters.

In short, hunters are conservationists. They obey all laws and show respect for the land on which they hunt, the game they hunt, others with whom they hunt, and themselves. Hunters can help stop illegal poaching; if youwitness a poaching incident, immediately call 1-888-DFG-CALTIP.

This story is reprinted in part from California Waterfowl Magazine, August/September 1998, written by James McKay.