Our favorite hunting spots are within one of the most populated areas of North America. In Connecticut, the vast majority of citizens don't hunt, have never hunted, and don't know anyone who hunts. Most residents think that only the bad guys have guns, or worse yet, that guns are bad!
Waterfowl hunting is your passion. You are legal. You are good at it. And you love it. But now, you have to become smart about it in the public eye. When the dog walkers or beachcombers see you walking to your vehicle with your gun uncased and over your shoulder, they may call the local police… “There’s a man on the beach with a gun!” Naturally the police respond. Naturally we duck hunters get frustrated.
HUNT SMART this season. We can do many small things to minimize the concern from the non-hunting public.
Hunt Smart Tips
Waterfowl hunting is your passion. You are legal. You are good at it. And you love it. But now, you have to become smart about it in the public eye. When the dog walkers or beachcombers see you walking to your vehicle with your gun uncased and over your shoulder, they may call the local police… “There’s a man on the beach with a gun!” Naturally the police respond. Naturally we duck hunters get frustrated.
HUNT SMART this season. We can do many small things to minimize the concern from the non-hunting public.
Hunt Smart Tips
- Keep your gun cased until the decoys are out and you are ready to shoot.
- Eliminate unnecessary show of guns from a boat, beach or blind.
- Dispatch crippled waterfowl as quickly and as humanely as possible.
- Be prepared to approach the public in a positive and friendly manner – without your shotgun. Let them know you are trained, safe and legal.
- Save your picture taking for your back yard. Don’t line up the day's bag at the boat ramp. Most people in our society are so far removed from hunting that this type of behavior can only seem barbaric.
- Pick and choose your hunting spots thoughtfully. It may be better not to hunt an area even though it is technically legal.
- Step forward and introduce yourself to DEEP and town officials.
- In areas of public access, hunt during hours of low non-hunter activity – usually early A.M.
- Carry the TIP number (800-842-4357) and use it if warranted.
- Observe all safety precautions and game laws.
- Pick up empty hulls wherever you hunt, even over water. When hunting hay fields or golf courses wads should also be retrieved.
