Introduce more young people and women to hunting. There's probably someone you know who'd love to go afield with you but is shy about asking. Perhaps you could do the asking.

Try not to draw a "for us or against us" line in the sand when fellow hunters discuss or criticize some aspects of hunting. If we don't work out some of the sport's conflicts for ourselves, the other guys will do it for us.

If you attend a public meeting where hunting is an issue, try not to be too loud or aggressive. Even if someone on the other side of the issue gets your dander up, do your best not to fit the cliche of hunter as oaf.

Rat out a road-sign shooter. Drop a dime on a poacher. We simply can't afford vandals and hoodlums using our name.

Learn more about the roots of our sport. Reading about how to get another 6 fps out of your bow is great, but also learning what Roosevelt, Leopold, Olson, and other founding fathers of hunting conservation had to say is not only important but fun.

Do what you can to improve relations between game wardens and hunters. Remember that wardens are overworked, underpaid, frequently in danger, and typically unappreciated.

Press your legislators for truly meaningful penalties for game-law violations. Jail time is nice, but years are better than weeks. Fines are terrific, as long as they're truly painful.

Keep in mind that hunting is recreation: Let's not take ourselves so seriously. Laughing occasionally about this thing we do shows that we have a balanced perspective and makes us more credible in the public eye. Humor can defuse confrontations too.

Take a non-hunter hunting. Not to convert him/her but to give that person a better appreciation for what you do. He/she will learn something about what you like, and if you adhere to rule number 8 you'll learn a bit about how your guest views your passion.

Recognize that every time you wear camouflage or go outside carrying a bow or gun, you are representing not just yourself but 16 million other people, who will be pilloried or praised as a group by your actions. Be careful out there. Be smart. Be responsible. Have fun. And remember that world is watching.

Article was written by David E. Petzal & Lionel Atwill

Fieldandstream.com

If you think about it, someone introduced you to hunting; perhaps a parent, another relative, a friend. Without their encouragement and support, it is unlikely that you would have decided to take a hunter education course.

For generations, hunters have shared their outdoor skills and appreciation for wildlife with family and friends. Hunting is an integral part of our culture. You can ensure the tradition continues by passing along your love of the outdoors.

We as hunters, play an essential role in the future of our wildlife resources. Through revenues from licences, we directly support wildlife programs. Game and fish clubs, conservation organizations and individual hunters contribute labor and resources in restoring and enhancing wildlife populations and habitat throughout our states.