United States Hunting  North American hunting predates the United States by thousands of years, and was an important part of many pre-Columbian Native American cultures. Today, Native Americans retain some hunting rights and are exempt from some laws as part of Indian treaties and federal law.  Hunting in the United States is not associated with any particular class or culture. In fact, 78% of Americans support legal hunting. Current regulation of hunting within the United States goes back to the 19th century. United States Hunting Economics  Hunting is also a major industry in the United States, with many companies specializing in hunting equipment or specialty tourism. Today's hunters come from a broad range of economic, social, and cultural backgrounds, including a significant luxury segment. In 2001, over 13 million hunters averaged eighteen days hunting and spent over $20.5 billion on their sport. United States Hunting Regulations  Regulation of hunting is primarily performed by the state law; additional regulations are imposed through United States environmental law in the case of migratory birds (such as ducks and geese) and endangered species.  Regulations vary widely from state to state, and govern the areas, time periods, techniques and methods by which specific game animals may be harvested.  Some states make a distinction between protected species and unprotected species (often vermin or varmints) for which there are no hunting regulations.  Hunters of protected species require a hunting license in all states, for which completion of a hunting safety course is sometimes a prerequisite. United States Hunting Regulations Game Categories  Typically wild game animals are divided into several categories for regulatory purposes. Typical categories, along with example species, are as follows: Big game: White-tailed deer, moose, elk, caribou (reindeer), bear, sheep. Small Game: rabbit, squirrel . Furbearers: red fox, mink. Predators: Cougar (mountain lion/panther), coyote. Upland game bird: grouse, chukar, pheasant, quail, dove. Waterfowl: duck, Canada goose.  Hunting big game typically requires a "tag" for each animal harvested. Tags must be purchased in addition to the hunting license, and the number of tags issued to an individual is typically limited.  Harvest of smaller wild game is restricted by "bag limit" and "possession limit." A bag limit is a maximum number of a specific animal species that an individual can harvest in a single day. A possession limit is a maximum number of a specific animal species that can be in an individual's possession at any time. United States Hunting Regulations Weapons  Weapons used in hunting are also typically regulated by game category, area within the state, and time period. Regulations for big game hunting often specify a minimum caliber or muzzle energy for firearms. The use of rifles is often banned for safety reasons in areas with high population density or limited topographic relief. Specific seasons for bow hunting or muzzle-loading black powder weapons are often established to limit competition with hunters using more effective weapons. United States Hunting Regulations Enforcement  A key task of Federal and state park rangers and game wardens is to enforce laws and regulations related to hunting, including species protection, hunting seasons, and hunting bans. United States Hunting Wildlife Management  Hunting is an important tool for managing wildlife resources. Hunting gives resource managers a valuable tool to control populations of some species that might otherwise exceed the carrying capacity of their habitat and threaten the well-being of other wildlife species, and in some instances, that of human health and safety. Hunting reduces the annual crop of new animals and birds to allow the remaining animals sufficient food and shelter to survive. United States Hunting Common Terminology Baiting - is the use of decoys, lures, scent or food to attract animals. Blind or Stand hunting - is waiting for animals from a concealed or elevated position. Calling - is the use of animal noises to attract or drive animals. Camouflage - is the use of visual concealment (or scent) to blend with the environment. Driving - is the herding of animals in a particular direction, usually toward another hunter in the group. Flushing - is the practice of scaring animals from concealed areas. Glassing - is the use of optics (such as binoculars) to more easily locate animals. Scouting - includes a variety of tasks and techniques for finding animals to hunt. Stalking - is the practice of walking quietly, often in pursuit of an identified animal. Still Hunting - is the practice of walking quietly in search of animals. Tracking- is the practice of reading physical evidence in pursuing animals. Trapping - is the use of devices (snares, pits, deadfalls) to capture or kill an animal. Safety Hunting Rules For All Hunters. Always keep the muzzle of your firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times. Treat every firearm as though it were loaded. Always make sure the firearm is unloaded and keep the action open when transporting or storing. Be sure the barrel is clear of obstruction and that you have the proper ammunition for the firearm you are using. Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger. Never point a firearm at anything you do not want to shoot. Avoid all horseplay / mis-handling of any firearm. Never climb a fence, tree, or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm. Never shoot at a flat hard surface such as rocks or water. Store all firearms and ammunition separately. Avoid alcohol and other drugs before or during shooting. Copyright 2001 - 2007.