Hunter Checklist
There are a lot of things to think about before, during and after your big game hunt. Print off this helpful checklist to ensure that you have or have done the following things:
Before Leaving Home
- Do you have your tag and license?
- Are you sure your tag matches the location you plan to be hunting in?
- Do you have a map of the location you will be hunting?
- Do you know the season dates of your hunt? (See the front of your tag)
- Is your rifle sighted in?
- Do you have the necessary items to properly care for the animal once successful?
- Do you have string or wire to attach your tag to the carcass?
- Have you thoroughly reviewed the wildlife laws or regulations applicable to your hunt?
- Are you sure you have all the necessary personal camping and survival gear? Do you have enough supplies should you become stranded, or out longer than you planned?
- Is your vehicle in good working condition?
- Have you left a family member or friend a plan of where you will be hunting and camping. Does this plan say when you plan to return?
In the Field
- Are all hunters in your party aware that they must have only their tag and license in their possession?
- Are you sure your tag matches the location you will be hunting?
- Are all rifles and shotguns unloaded when in or on a vehicle?
- Are all hunters aware that they must shoot their own game and no one else’s?
- Are all hunters aware of legal shooting hours?
- Do you know you must punch your tag immediately upon reaching your downed game? Do you know how to properly punch your tag?
- Do you know the proper time to attach your tag to the carcass is when you reach your mode of transportation (truck, horse, four wheeler) or camp, whichever is first?
- Did you retain the cape of your big game animal?
- Is the carcass properly cared for so no spoilage will occur?
Returning Home
- Is every hunter traveling with his or her tagged animal?
- If someone other than yourself will be transporting your tagged animal, do they have a transportation permit? Transportation permits are available at NDOW regional offices, from wardens in the field, and select license agents.
- Do you know the cape and carcass must remain together?
At Home
- If you are going to take the head to a taxidermist, did you know you need to keep the tag with the meat?
- Do you know the tag must remain with the meat until consumed?
- If you take the meat to a commercial facility for processing or preservation, do you know the tag still remains with the meat?
- Did you return your big game hunting questionnaire within 15 weekdays after the close of the season?