Hunter Ethics

[DogYeller]

TJ, I was curious how our local department would handle similar situations, so I sent your questions to the ODWC. Here's their reply;

1. You should always be sure of your target before you shoot to keep you out of this type of ethical dilemma. The worst case scenario would be to get caught throwing away an illegal duck. I would take my chances of trying to explain the mistake. Most wardens are understanding of mistakes.
2. That is another ethical question. I would give the goose back if they were making an effort to retrieve the bird. If they are ignoring a obviously injured bird, then they in violation for not making the effort to retrieve.
3. You can not go onto someone's property without permission. Call the local game warden to recover the deer.
4. Don't shoot a hen pheasant and you will not have a problem. It is very easy to tell the difference between a cock and hen.
Please remember that our wardens are very good at long range surveillance.
Capt. David Deckard
Law Enforcement Division
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation