Shooting hours ethics.

[Brad Harshman]

Thanks guys for the good conversation.  Appreciate everyones honesty too.  I started this poll because I wanted to hear how everyone felt and honored the simple rules of
Legal shooting hours.  It's easy to be tempted to break the law especially when you've been waiting for that moment all year/month/week, coupled with a sleepness night and an extremely early morning.  A lot of hard work and dedication goes into hunting waterfowl.  And Its difficult to let the birds go, they could be the only ones you'll see all day.  I get it, I've been there. 

Couple years ago, we we're hunting this pond on public land surrounded by corn fields.  It hadnt froze over entirely and it was the proverbial "X".  Anyway, 2 minutes before legal hours eight geese land 15 yds in front of us.  It was amazing.  We had just loaded up and we sat there.  Never spoke a word, then as soon as the ripples settled they honked fiendishly and took off.  Never took a shot.  I share that moment with my good hunting.  We talk just as much about that moment as we do about how the birds loved that pond and the epic hunts we had there. 

Funny how moments like that inspire me so deeply.  I guess I truely honor the birds, the sport, the challenge, the opportunity. 

[REHJWA]

If you've ever hunted with the "other guy" you learn quickly that if they will bend this rule there is no telling which rule they will break next.

“Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching- even when doing the wrong thing is legal.”
― Aldo Leopold

[Bob33]

"I share that moment with my good hunting. We talk just as much about that moment as we do about how the birds loved that pond and the epic hunts we had there."

 

[Come Get Some]

I cannot remember any time that at legal shooting hours you could properly indentify the birds. We always have birds in the decoys early. Is it about killing the birds or the experience? In the age of technology that we live in. If you can afford to go hunting (VERY EXPENSIVE) you should be able to afford some type of time telling device??. LEGAL IS LEGAL.

[ebitzan]

I always wait untill lst. Always wait until the minute on my phone. A big ticket for shooting early at a duck or goose isn't worth it to me.

[bulldurham]

   if I can see the color of the bird I'm blastin away. who cares what time it is

[h20hunter]

Good job on your 3rd post.....legal hours...screw 'em. For that matter I wouldn't worry about shell limits or bird limits. Heck, swan probably tastes pretty good as well.

[scout/sniper]

  if I can see the color of the bird I'm blastin away. who cares what time it is

Super, I just love poachers.     

[hntrspud]

  if I can see the color of the bird I'm blastin away. who cares what time it is

Solid posts from this guy. You can tell he will be a long term contributing member here, and I look forward to his future insight. 

[scout/sniper]

  if I can see the color of the bird I'm blastin away. who cares what time it is

I hope he picks up the 'skyblasting' thread.
An insider's view would be very enlightening.

[Jonathan_S]

  if I can see the color of the bird I'm blastin away. who cares what time it is

yeah, the may care what time it is.  Also 86% of people on here and 100% of game wardens care what time it is.

I'm sure you could tell us how how far away you can hit a goose with 00 Buckshot too   

You sir...nevermind 

[pianoman9701]

C'mon boys, no troll-feeding! 

[bobcat]

Actually if you can see color on the ducks, I guarantee it's beyond legal hunting hours. So maybe he's not really saying he'd shoot before legal time.

[scout/sniper]

Actually if you can see color on the ducks, I guarantee it's beyond legal hunting hours. So maybe he's not really saying he'd shoot before legal time.

I'm blastin away. who cares what time it is

Settles it for me.

[scout/sniper]

Last Saturday legal shooting light was at 0720.
I had ducks in the decoys well before that time and could easily see their colors and identify them.