Hunters On Better Behavior

Trespassing is the single most significant form of irresponsible hunter behavior, according to a report by the Izaak Walton League of America.

But overall, behavior of hunters in the United States is good and getting better, the league said in its report, “Hunter Behavior in America.”

The report is based on a nationwide survey of state fish and wildlife agencies last year. Thirty-five state agencies and 11 hunting and conservation groups responded.

Nineteen of the agencies said hunter behavior is better than five years ago, 18 said it was about the same, and only one said it was worse.

The agencies cited hunter education courses as the single most significant factor in the trend.

“This survey tells us we’ve turned the corner on hunter ethics. We’re cleaning up our act,” said Maitland Sharpe, executive director of the IWLA.

“I think we’ve made a great deal of progress over the last 10 or 15 years, in terms of identifying the problems, figuring out we were lost and finding the right track.”

The survey found the second-most significant form of irresponsible hunter behavior involved lack of respect for private land.

“A primary breach of landowner relations is a hunter’s failure to inform landowners of intent to hunt or failure to obtain permission,” the report said. “Other breaches of landowner relations include disturbing crops or livestock, shooting too close to buildings, littering, leaving gates open, damaging fences and other property” and other nuisance activities.

The third-ranked problem is poaching. But fewer than 10 percent of respondents felt poaching is increasing. Fourteen percent said it has declined over the past five years.

Some agencies emphasized the need for strict penalties for violating hunting laws. These could include loss of hunting privileges and community service work, such as habitat restoration.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Poaching hotlines Following are the official toll-free telephone numbers to report poaching or other game-law violations: Washington: From within the state only, (800) 477-6224. Idaho: From within the state only, (800) 632-5999. Montana: From within the state, (800) 847-6668. From outside the state, (800) 327-3212.