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?