Hunters Urged To Act Responsibly This Turkey Season

LEWISTON - - Responsibility is an important attribute of ethical hunting and with turkey season beginning April 15 in much of the state, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game urges hunters to be conscious of their behaviors and act responsibly. Though the vast majority of hunters are ethical and considerate to landowners, each year, IDFG is confronted with complaints and challenges related to irresponsible hunter behavior. "Many times the complaint centers on littering, trespassing, making tire ruts in muddy fields, shooting too close to livestock or houses, " said Adam Grove, landowner-sportsmen coordinator for IDFG. "Whatever the complaint, most circumstances boil down to a lack of common sense and lack of respect for both private property and wildlife." Below is a list of guidelines IDFG recommends for hunters to become more responsible:

• Respect the rights of landowners. By asking permission every time one hunts, hunters can adhere to the landowner's wishes. Many times this involves keeping safe distances from livestock and buildings, closing gates, keeping vehicles off of muddy roads and knowing where and where not to hunt.
• Thank the landowner when you are completed hunting for allowing access to his or her property. Often times, hunters will send a thank you card later or offer to do something for the landowner such as helping with chores.
• Hunters should value what they harvest by taking only what they can use, making sure that game is not wasted, avoiding unnecessary public displays of dead game and treating animals with respect.
• Show that you are thankful for the privilege of hunting. Leaving an area better than the way one found it is just good manners and shows respect for public and private property. This includes not cleaning birds or other game in road ditches or public areas.
• Responsible hunters do not have to take a limit. One can have a great day by recognizing the challenge of the hunt, the pleasures of being out in nature and the companionship of friends.
• Take competition out of your hunting. Trying to shoot more and bigger game is the wrong reason to hunt. If you want to compete, do it on the sporting clays or trap range, not on wildlife.