Hunting etiquette?

[Eric Krewson]

If you hit a deer go to the ends of the earth to attempt to recover it, take time off from work, gather a posse, put in a major effort.

I hate to hear someone say "I stuck one, didn't find much blood, had to get home so I couldn't look for it."

[GingivitisKahn]

For hunting public land, if another hunter is in a spot first - it's his spot, at least while he's there.  Wave or nod but give him plenty of room.

There will be sharp disagreement on this, but since we are talking etiquette, I assert it is rude to leave a stand for days at a time on public land.  If you hunt a tree stand tonight and plan to be back in the morning, that's one thing but every year, I see stands hanging vacant for days, weeks and even months at a time.  It's public land - just because someone throws his gear up a tree, that doesn't save a spot for him.

If you are set up in the dark and you hear another hunter moving your way, shine your flashlight towards him.  The sooner he knows that spot is taken, the sooner he can move off somewhere else.  No point in making him walk up all the way to you only to learn there's already someone there.

If you are moving in in the dark and someone is shining a light at you - move elsewhere.  

[Kavogt]

Thanks everyone for the help! I always try to follow the golden rule, but, not being a hunter, it's helpful to get into the mind of a hunter and find out what he or she is mindful of.

Some questions - Out in the woods, how would I know if I'm crossing over into private property? I'm assuming not all owners fence in their property and, in moderately dense woods, I can see myself missing that "Private Property" sign hidden behind a tree 20 yards away.

Are there easily available maps that show this? (Last time I visited the local planning department for a plat survey of my home it took half the day    :eek:   )

Also, Nightowl suggested small game. I tried checking Illinois' DNR site, but it seems their link to the "small upland game" section is dead. Can anyone fill me in on Illinois' requirements for rabbit hunting with a bow?

Again, thanks to you all for your help!!

[tuscarawasbowman]

I'll address some other things that I feel are important that noone mentioned about blood trailing as I think this is one of the difficult things for a new person.

- Don't take up that blood trail immediately. Give them time to die. More time is always better. (Unless their is a major storm coming,it's hot out etc..)
- Be as quiet as possible on a blood trail.
- If you lose blood, stop and look all around you. Remember that deer can only go in so many directions and straight up ain't one of them.
- Don't be afraid to trail scuffed up leaves.
- If you have gone all out and have totally lost all blood etc. cast in semi circles and follow trails. Like others have said put in a major effort.
- Don't forget to check limbs and tall grass for blood. It doesnt all fall on the ground.
-Always mark last blood with an arrow.
-Don't be afraid to use your nose. I have smelled some deer and other animals before I saw them.
-And if all else fails get/use a tracking dog if they are legal in your state. They are not a crutch, it's the responsible thing to do.
-ABOVE ALL: Enjoy yourself!!!!

[Jedimaster]

Check the internet for maps of management areas, national forrests, and other public lands you want to hunt.  As already mentioned, steer clear of property lines unless you want disputes.

Scout any chosen area before you hunt them.  You may find several places of interest before finding one that isn't already intensly hunted.  Just saves time and dissapointment.  Sometimes you will find less competition in the most remote areas, at other times you will find overlooked hot-spots right by a major highway.

Remember there are inexperienced "hunters" in the woods.  Every year people get shot by mistake.  I often wear blaze orange when walking into a stand (some states require it).  You may find yourself sharing the woods with gun hunters as well.  The sad truth is there are statistically more inexperienced or reckless gun hunters (just by sheer numbers of people, not that all are that way) and they can hurt you from a long way off.  In that same vein of thought, be sure of your target and what lies beyond before loosing an arrow.

If at all possible, get someone to assist/mentor you for a while.  You can learn more in one day from an experienced woodsman than in a month on the internet; especially if you can get with someone that hunts the same areas you are considering.  Not all people are good sportsmen so choose wisely who you follow.

Steer clear of dope heads and vagabonds that may be using the woods as well.  Report suspicious behavior.

In most cases, ignorance of the law is not an excuse.  Game laws can and do get confusing.  They may change even in certain regions of the same management area.  Be sure to know them before going out.  You should be able to find a game management official (warden or otherwise) for the area you want to hunt with a simple internet search.  If there is any ambiguity in the written law - call them before you go.

[Mike Mecredy]

Several things you'll want to do when hunting you first time.  Be sure and wear unmatched socks, your shirt on backwards, mismatched camo, and no hat and don't carry a knife, until you get your first kill.  Then you can dress normally.

Worked good for my family, helped them hunt more dilegently their first time out.

[Kavogt]

Originally posted by Mike Mecredy:
 Then you can dress normally.

How is that NOT normal attire?

[emt137]

Here is a website that I have found useful in trying to pick out spots on public land.  Many of the public areas that are open for hunting is listed here.  They also include local rules and regulations and some maps or at least contact information for that area.  Hope this helps you out.  

I'm new myself and am trying to organize myself for my first ever hunt.  I have found this thread very useful.

 http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/hunter_fact_sheet/index.htm

[Kavogt]

Thanks for the link, Patrick, helps me a lot. Again, thanks to everyone for your contributions!