Private and Public Land Best Practices

Whether you are hunting on private or public land, be sure to follow these best practices for each.

If you plan to hunt on private land:

• Get permission from the landowner well before the day you want to hunt.
• Confirm with the landowner the date and time you will be hunting every time you hunt.
• Stop by when you leave to let the landowner know you made it back safely. Offer to share your game.
• Send a thank you note afterward.
• Always clean up your trash, including any flagging and empty shells.
• Always follow the landowners' instructions. There may be restrictions on where and when they want you to hunt.
• Never shoot around houses, buildings, or livestock.
• Leave gates as you find them.
• Report any acts of vandalism or unusual situations.
• Take care to avoid spreading weeds.

If you plan to hunt on public land:

• Know which government agency manages the property, and get a map of the area.
• Check the regulations to be sure that hunting is permitted and that there are no special restrictions.
• Be aware that most public lands are open to everyone, not just hunters. You may encounter hikers, bird-watchers, or other people in the field. Treat everyone you meet with courtesy and respect.
• Don't hunt near heavily used recreation areas such as campgrounds, buildings, and trailheads for safety reasons and out of courtesy to others.
• Always clean up your trash, including any flagging and empty shells.
• Never shoot around houses, buildings, or livestock.
• Leave gates as you find them.
• Report any acts of vandalism or unusual situations.
• Take care to avoid spreading weeds.