Izaak Walton League of America

Hunting plays an important part in state wildlife management. Sportsmen help keep wildlife healthy by balancing wildlife populations with available habitat. For example, humans are the only remaining "predators" for white-tailed deer in many parts of the country – an overly populous species that was endangered just a century ago. Restoration programs funded by sportsmen helped this species recover.

If you are interested in hunting or know someone who is, we have a few quick tips to get you started:

• Sign up for a hunter education course through your state fish and wildlife agency. (See list below.) These are usually held in the summer and early fall.
• Learn game laws and regulations.
• Buy a hunting license, which are usually specific to the game species and type of hunting you plan to do. For example, a state may have different seasons to hunt deer with bows, rifles, and old-fashioned muzzleloaders.
• Select your equipment and PRACTICE.
• Find a place to hunt. Public lands are a good place to start. In addition to state forests and wildlife management areas, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management acres offer access to abundant game. Also, check with the national wildlife refuges near you to determine which ones permit hunting. Some Izaak Walton League chapters allow hunting on their property by members; many more offer a place to sight-in and develop marksmanship skills. Find the League chapter nearest you.