Chapter 3: Safe and Responsible Bowhunting
A Responsible Bowhunter

What Does Responsibility Mean for the Bowhunter?

Responsibility means personal accountability; you are accountable for your actions. Because bowhunting is not a spectator sport, you manage your actions by following legal and ethical guidelines.

Bowhunting Regulations

Bowhunting regulations are laws passed by a country, state, city, province, or territory to:

• Protect resources.
• Protect property rights.
• Protect people.
• Ensure fair chase.
• Ensure equal opportunity, or the quantity and quality of game.
• Gather information.
• Manage wildlife populations.

Every bowhunter must follow bowhunting regulations to behave responsibly and comply with state or provincial legal requirements. These regulations are passed by boards or commissions following a public hearing process. Public hearings are required to give bowhunters and others an opportunity to provide input or address issues prior to the enactment of statutes or rules and regulations.

Hunting is a privilege that can be taken away if hunting laws are violated. A hunting license can be revoked after a hunter is convicted of a serious violation or repeated offenses.

Every jurisdiction publishes a booklet containing current hunting regulations. All bowhunters should become familiar with the requirements well before the hunting season begins. Most hunting regulations are available on the Internet or at places that sell hunting licenses and sporting goods.

Know the Law— Ignorance of hunting laws is not an excuse for violating them.

Categories of Hunting Laws

Categories of hunting laws that bowhunters must be aware of include:

• Legal bowhunting seasons
• Legal hunting methods and equipment
• Special provisions for physically challenged bowhunters
• Animal tagging requirements
• Animal transporting requirements
• Trespassing laws
• Penalties and violations
• Education requirements

Characteristics of a Responsible Bowhunter

Look over the list of words below, and choose three words or phrases that best describe a responsible bowhunter: