Ethics of Waterfowl Hunting You Should Learn

We took our boat out and fixed our decoys; that now have water all over them and are starting to freeze. Then we went down to talk to the other hunters. We wanted to see what's going on! Three young men couldn't have been older than 20. 

I asked,"so what's going on?" 

They replied,"well we are hunting, duh." 

I said,"well you are kind of close to us and you came out with no navigation lights and ran through our decoy spread."

They replied,"so what you going to do about it?" "We are hunting here so deal with it."

What would you do? Yell at them, fight them, shoot their decoys; the list can go on and on. 

Sadly, people go through this, and it can end up with severe outcomes and even death. All waterfowl hunters have dealt with situations while hunting and fishing. However, here are some good ethics to go by.  

Prepare for your hunts the best you can so you don't spoil others by coming in late and driving through their spreads. Try to go around their spreads as far as possible without being too out of your way. If birds are working, their decoys stop navigation, let them shoot their birds, and then proceed to pass. Remember, that could be you with the birds working! 

If you're going to be set up by someone, ask them to hunt together, or make sure you give them good space (200 yards or better). You would be surprised how some people would say yes to hunting together if allowed in your state. You will kill more working together than against each other. When birds are working with another hunter, decoys don't call at them. Wait until they break off or leave, then call them. Don't shoot your gun just so the birds leave the blind next to you so they can't shoot; that's rude and very unsportsmanlike. 

Make good choices, don't shoot your birds if you are going to cripple them, forcing themselves onto private land or refuges that you can't get at. Make sure to look behind where your shot will land, such as houses, walking paths, roads, etc. This can save you lots of trouble and keep you and the other hunting parties safe. Make sure the birds are in good shooting range; if you can't kill them, don't shoot at them. Breaking wings is not killing them! 

Be Courteous at the ramp and show up on time; this can delay and spoil other people's hunts! If another person invites you and they take you to a spot on public land, don't go back to their spot unless you ask first. Know your rules! Last, remember you're an ambassador of the sport, and one bad apple can spoil it for us all!