ETHICS - and how you can help
When you are alone in the outdoors, with a bow or gun, using a boat or an off-highway vehicle,
on foot as a hiker, climber, camper or hunter, your conscience is your only guide. You make all the decisions.
When you are with a companion, whether she or he is a trusted friend, a stranger with a common interest,
or a young person just learning the ropes, you have a different role to play.
As a responsible user of the outdoors, your presence and your own behavior can minimize your impact on
wildlife and natural resources and have a positive effect on the people around you. In most cases, just doing
the right thing is enough. One person setting a good example is a powerful influence on others to do the
same. Sometimes, however, something else is needed. There are times when people become careless, selfish,
thoughtless or just plan carried away with excitement. That's when you are needed!
Urge others to behave responsibly and to carefully consider the consequences of their actions.
Today's and tomorrow's hunters must recognize that they have a responsibility to become the best hunters
they can be. Now more than ever!
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks suggests that a hunter's standards of conduct while hunting is a true
indication of one's personal code of ethics. Every hunter should:
- Become better familiar with one's weapon and the skill needed to make a clean, quick
kill. The importance of sighting in a rifle and regular daily practice with one's bow
should be stressed.
- Have no question regarding his or her ability to know when and where to make a kill.
Hunters must be certain of their targets and they must be certain they can retrieve their
game.
- Understand and comply with state game laws, forest road closures and landowner courtesy.
Don't rely on another person to know these things, the responsibility is yours!
- Be willing to bring illegal acts before an appropriate law enforcement agency. Call
800-TIP-MONT when you see illegal acts being done. You can remain anonymous.