Hunting Near Civilization

Introduction. In this day of higher fuel prices and stringent demands on our time, hunting closer to home has many advantages. With towns and cities growing, and with the increased number of people building and moving `into the country' -we, as hunters - find ourselves often hunting closer and closer to the sprawl of civilization. In fact, at times, we may find ourselves hunting right at `city limits'. Done right, hunting at the fringe of civilization can be satisfying and rewarding. Done wrong, we well mar the `sport' of hunting. Hunting at city limits requires that we as hunters `keep the bar high' in the practice of our sport.

Regulation. Our sport has many regulations. Since hunting at civilization edge means we are being watched - all the more we need to make sure we are following all the regulations. In the state in which I live, I have found the regulations to generally be pretty reasonable, and in the interest of the game (animals), the hunter, and the general population. But, whether you agree with the `regs' or not, follow them. We are being watched. In this day and age there are many who disagree with the sport of hunting, or hunting as a sport. Let us not give them good reason. Don't shoot from roads, or roadways; don't shoot where it's illegal to do so; and don't trespass.

Permission. Hunting at the edge of civilization necessarily means that we will often be hunting on private property. It is absolutely vital to obtain permission to hunt while on private property. And it is also generally the law. And it is good courtesy. (Do you want someone in your back yard with a gun without your permission?) Getting permission generally requires some `door knocking', some `phone calling', and even hearing the word `no'. In fact, at civilization edge you may get a lot of `no's'. But once you get a `yes', a certain freedom sets in, and the fun begins.

Direction. Hunting at civilization edge requires a heightened sense of safety. At all times one must be aware of the ballistics of the firearm being used, and what is `down range'. In this regard it is necessary to hunt in a manner that shots will be away from houses and other buildings, roads, and trails. I have found that the creatures that live at civilization edge know exactly where safety lies, and if they happen to get caught away from it - will run, or fly, or do whatever to get right back to it. And this means that they will often be flying right toward a house, or back toward the road. Where possible, `block' such escape routes, and plan your shots accordingly. But, also recognize, that some shots will have to be passed up, for safety sake. While that jogger 200 yards away may not by physically harmed by one of your shotgun pellets, if he or she gets hit with one, your day will certainly be harmed, and potentially the sport. A high-powered rifle bullet can bounce off frozen or hard ground and fly for miles.

Discretion. Hunting at civilization edge also requires discretion. You will be potentially watched by people of mixed (or even bad) sentiments. In situations where you have followed all the regs, have permission, and also are shooting in a safe direction, you must also consider discretion. There have been times when I have passed up good shots, not because they weren't legal, or safe, but because I was more concerned with the long term view of our sport (by others), than coming home with something in my bag. At other times, go ahead and take the shot, if you can do it right, as others can be educated as to what this is all about. In addition, I recommend taking only the highest percentage shots. Take only those shots that will be certain `clean' kills. Wounded animals wandering around town, and eventually dying in someone's front yard, are not good `PR'.

Appreciation. Show respect and appreciation for the landowners that allow you to hunt their land. Hunting private property is not a right - it is a privilege. Include them on your Christmas Card list, maybe even your Christmas GIFT list. Also, show respect for their wishes. They may give you permission to hunt their land in general, but wish you stay off certain pieces. Respect their wishes. Also be sensitive to your activities with regard to the use of their properties. There are times during the year where you may be able to walk or drive out on their fields, or pastures, and there will be other times where you should not. And whether or not you understand the `why', be sensitive, and respect their wishes. Landowners may allow you to hunt some species, and not others. To someone who makes a living on their own property one species may be a nuisance, others may be their pets. On one property that I regularly hunt another party accidentally set fire to a field of standing wheat by driving through adjacent stubble, the hot catalytic converter of the exhaust system igniting the stubble. NOT a good day for farmer and the guy driving through the stubble.

Conclusion. Hunting at city limits, at the edge of civilization, can indeed be a `blast'. I have hunted the most civilized places in the West, and also the remotest. While the remotest places were cool, some of the most rewarding and satisfying hunts have been right next to home. And, often, there is more game nearer civilization, since that's where food (and sometimes sanctuary) is. But hunting in civilization requires that we hold ourselves to a high standard - that we do it `right'. We need to be good `citizen hunters'.