{"id":3730,"date":"2024-09-17T09:17:47","date_gmt":"2024-09-17T14:17:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/atomiccoffee.com\/WWA\/?p=3730"},"modified":"2024-09-17T09:17:47","modified_gmt":"2024-09-17T14:17:47","slug":"waterfowl-hunting-ethics-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/atomiccoffee.com\/WWA\/waterfowl-hunting-ethics-101\/","title":{"rendered":"Waterfowl Hunting Ethics 101"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Zach<\/a>By DNR Warden Zach Seitz<\/strong><\/p>\n

As a proud Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation warden, I\u2019m lucky to be based in Shiocton, serving Outagamie County, an area with real waterfowl potential.<\/p>\n

However, a successful day out on the water rests on more than just water levels. It also depends on hunters being responsible, safe and choosing to pursue the sport with a strong sense of ethics. I realize I am likely preaching to the choir when I say hunter ethics remains a critical topic.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to make sure that we, as hunters, are being respectful and ethical. That means following rules and acting ethically toward other hunters, the game we are pursuing and the general non-hunting public.<\/p>\n

Here are a few hunter ethics ground rules that we could all benefit from while we are out enjoying our state\u2019s natural resources.<\/p>\n

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  1. Be Safe<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    While on my patrols, I hear from folks concerned about shooting too close to houses while waterfowl hunting. I\u2019m not just referring to the people who break the law by shooting within 100 yards of occupied dwellings, but also to people who set up in the middle of a field with houses all around and who end up hitting houses with BB\u2019s they\u2019ve shot.<\/p>\n

    I understand that when you see hundreds of ducks and geese coming to a field, it can be tough to resist going out and taking your fair share with your buddies. However, when you are raining down BB\u2019s on people\u2019s houses, regardless of how far away you are hunting, it can tarnish the reputation of all hunters. It can also involve you in undesirable legal battles.<\/p>\n

    When hunters do things like this, it encourages some homeowners to talk with their local elected officials and ask to have hunting outlawed in those places. In turn, this ruins hunting for those who hunt in the same area, but choose more appropriate locations.<\/p>\n

    We all want to make the best impression possible with those around us and avoiding shooting too close to houses is a great start to doing so.<\/p>\n

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    1. Have More Than One Spot<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      If someone beats you to your hot spot, find another location. If there isn\u2019t another spot nearby, ask if you can hunt with the group. Many friendships have begun this way, and you may even find a new hunting partner.<\/p>\n

      Avoid setting up in a location where it is likely that your shot will be going towards another group and respect the other folks out in the field.<\/p>\n

      Remember to keep COVID-19 safety measures in mind. Keep six feet of distance from others and wear a mask when around anyone outside your household.<\/p>\n

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      1. Respect The Game<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Nobody likes to wound game and not be able to retrieve it.\u00a0We should consider whether we can make the shot and whether we will locate the game after shooting it.<\/p>\n

        Things to consider when deciding what shots to take and where to set up include:<\/p>\n