The hunter's role, responsibilities and ethics

Why hunters need ethics as well as laws

Laws set the minimum standard; ethics are the personal decisions a hunter makes when nobody is watching. Hunter education in every province teaches that the future of hunting depends on public acceptance, and public acceptance depends on hunters' behaviour.

The role of the hunter

• Conservation partner - hunters' licence fees, surcharges and stamps fund wildlife management and habitat programs; harvest reports give biologists data.
• Wildlife management tool - regulated hunting helps keep populations within the carrying capacity of their habitat and reduces crop damage and vehicle collisions.
• Food provider - wild game is valued food; wasting meat is unethical and illegal.
• Ambassador - every hunter is judged by the public and represents all hunters.