I read posts on this site regularly by people that "put down" others by calling certain practices or methods "unethical". What book of hunting ethics are these people using as their "ruler" to judge what is or isn't ethical?

I use the state codes that outline hunting regulations.

If they hunt and its legal then fine. If its illegal then by definition it's unethical.

just my 2cents

The problem with ethics is that they are a function of each individuals personal values of what is right and wrong. Since individuals differ, no two people have the same set of ethics. Since ethics are not the same for everyone, the "rules" people live by arent' the same as those of others. If people feel something is unethical, it is their right to voice their opinions. If someone else feels something is ethical, it is also their right to voice their opinions. There really is no right or wrong, only a perception of right or wrong. Unless something is illegal (a line most peopleaccept asunethical), each individual is free to follow his own set of ethics. However, that is not to say that all of us might not be better off if we learned from other's ethics.

i second that notion

I think you can get that book at Barnes and Noble ..its called "The First Self Righteous Book on Deer Hunting" ...and apparently is a best seller on here.

dd

I guess there are different ways to describe it. One for sure is following the regulations and laws. Another way to describe ones ethics is how the behave when nobody is watching. Hunting ethics to me means following the hunting regulations and puttting the best face possible on our sport. If one cannot behave while packing a weapon then he shouldn't be packing a weapon. To me this is a no brainer.

We just have to be carefull telling others what right and wrong is.
After all we might be the one in the wrong.

North Texan,
I think you hit the nail on the head.

When in doubt I agree with pheonix. DD, I don't need a book to tell me ethics, and I certainly don't need one to tell me not to break the law. The state game laaws are just fine for that.

i believe that laws are created around ethics, not the other way around.

ethics are individual, and laws are taking those ethics and spreading it for everyone. its possible for something to be ethical and illegal, or the other way around. There is no set "book of ethics" to follow. Its what you feel is right or wrong. YOu should still follow the laws, but that doesnt make whatever is leagel automatically ethical, or the other way around

Ethics are a self standard in which one conducts, measures and holds themself too.Basically it is the little monkey that whispers whats right and wrong in our heads.

As far as the law, ethics or personal values are what preserves or keeps laws valid. The law is black in white, either you obey or you obstruct. Where ethics come into to play is keeping within those restraints set forth, even though it may be possible to step outside the boundaries.

Their are things in terms of hunting that are legal but may fall into an unethical situation for you personally. For example a situation that has a slim chance at a positive outcomelike a texas lung shot or frontal shot with a bow. This is where the subjective nature of ethics appears.

Basically live your life onto your own standards and measure ones own self based on this standard not others. If you should happen to cross over the boundries be willing to accept the consequences of your actions.
I believe ethics are instilled and while theyare debated/expressed. Preaching really does nothing. Some believe giving an opinion that crosses personalethical boundries as preaching but it really is nothing more than stating how we feel about the events...an opinion if you will. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and lives within their own ethical boundries. As stated we are all different, so the fact is debates will ensue.