Hunting violations can always be avoided if you become knowledgeable about them. The amount of time it takes to understand the known rules can end up saving your entire season. And this isn’t so much about getting around the rules, but more along the lines of being aware of them from the start. Common sense has a place when it comes to hunting, and can be the deciding factor in how successful you are when outdoors alone or with a group.

Things to avoid when hunting

#1 Know The Weapons Of The Season

Just because it is deer season in a specific area that doesn’t mean you can use any hunting weapon you want to kill them. Every area has its own set of rules for the season, which is why some areas allow rifles while others don’t. That means if it is a bow and arrow area, bringing a gun into it is a clear violation. In some cases, people have also been fined for bringing their personal firearm on a hunt and using it to down the deer. Using a personal firearm during a hunt carries a specific penalty that is completely separate from using the wrong weapon in season. This penalty can lead to extensive jail time along with the fine.

How To Avoid: Most of the time you will plan your trip months in advance, and if it is local you already should be familiar with the rules. In the case where the trip is last minute for a hunting season, just look online or call for the information needed so you can properly equip yourself before leaving. The little bit of time it takes to find out this information can save you a lot of money and possible jail time.

#2. Proper Tagging And Validation Rules Must Be Followed

Areas that open themselves to hunting season have these rules in place for a reason, and they usually have to do with population, breeding and tax statistics. Without any knowledge of what game is being shot and taking away from the area, they won’t be able to repopulate when needed. In a worst case scenario, the area may close down for an entire hunting season as they attempt to repopulate the area. The importance of the data that goes along with tagging also has to do with accountability. Hunters that try to sneak past tagging and validating usually have used weapons not allowed, or they’ve hunted game in a season where they are protected.

How To Avoid: Tagging and validation rules can become a season by season change, but the base rule is that all game that you put down has to be tagged and validated-no exceptions. Keeping this in mind keeps people honest on both sides with the reality that anyone trying to get around these rules are simply looking to break them.

#3. Private Land Is Private For A Reason!

This particular violation has more to do with the hubris of the hunter than it does with not understanding the rules. Breaching private property is tempting for a lot of users if the land is full of viable targets. Not only is it illegal, but in some states it can cause your hunting license to get revoked. That doesn’t even count the fines and possible jail time associated with getting caught. Tagging and validating also comes into play here, since you can’t really do either when knowingly stealing from private property. Even if the hunting season is giving you bad results there is no reason to walk onto private property to claim your prize.

How To Avoid: Have approved backup areas ready in case the one you selected doesn’t have a lot of action that season. This will take away the temptation from going onto private property. With a solid backup in place, you’ll stay away from what is considered one of the top violations in hunting.

#4. Honor The Daily And Season Limits

Every season there is a limit imposed for each hunter and their group whether it is moose, deer, fish or whatever game they happen to be hunting. The limit is strict for the same reasons tagging is, and keeps a balance intact for the area. Going over the limit for the seasons seems to get more attention than for the day since daily totals can still be in line with the cap for the season. But going over the season total will get you in a lot of trouble, and even if your hunting license isn’t suspended, you may get banned from the area.

How To Avoid: Gaining the relevant information before going into an area can keep you away from this problem. And for hunters that mistakenly go over their daily totals, look at the season cap and make adjustments for your overages.

#5. Hunting Without A License

It still happens, even though it should never happen. Hunting without a license is defiance of the highest order, and is met with swift punishment. The requirements to get a hunting or fishing license is very low, taking little time and money to get. Hunters take the possession of their license very seriously, as it also shows a willingness to respect and follow the rules for hunting. When outsiders not possessing a license hunt on the same grounds as everyone else, there can be a bit of chaos. Non-licensed hunters, don’t tag, don’t honor the hunting limits and don’t use weapons authorized for the season. They are very much a danger to the game they hunt as well as the licensed hunters in the area.

How To Avoid: Get licensed! Hunters that don’t want to get licensed just yet are free to tag along with buddies or family members to get a feel for the action.

Summary

Avoiding making these violations is all about being aware of the sport you are participating in. That can alleviate a lot of the pressure associated with breaking rules that you may not know about. Hunting is fun when everyone follows the rules without looking for shortcuts to beat the system.