A member of the Australian Bowhunters Association Inc. ™ being a responsible sportsman, embraces a Code of Ethics, in the knowledge that a serious breach of the Code, or its Rules, could result in disciplinary action being taken by the Association.
A member undertakes not to bowhunt unless he or she has attended the Association’s prescribed course of Bowhunter Education, and has received the Certificate of Bowhunter Proficiency.
Further, the member is fully aware that only members who have obtained the Certificate of Bowhunter Proficiency shall be regarded, when hunting, as complying with the Rules and Regulations of the Association.
THE CODE
- The Bowhunter respects the environment, and therefore:
- Cuts no standing timber without the permission of the landowner
- Ensures that campfires (if approved) are properly extinguished and observes the utmost caution against starting grass or scrub fires
- Removes food scraps and rubbish from the campsite for later disposal or as required by the landowner
- The bowhunter respects the interests of both private and public landowners, and therefore:
- Does not hunt property without the prior permission of the owner or occupier, on each and every occasion
- Does not hunt without the requisite permits and certificates, where required either as a legal or Association, requirement
- Is careful not to disturb livestock and is prepared to give assistance to stock in distress if appropriate, and in serious cases will notify the owner or occupier immediately
- Becomes familiar with property boundaries, where necessary, and thus ensures that there is no trespass on properties where prior consent has not been obtained
- Leaves all gates as found, excepting as required by the owner or occupier
- The bowhunter respects game hunted, and therefore:
- Hunts only legal game species, as prescribed by the Association
- Shall endeavour, as far as practicable, to obtain a quick, clean kill, and will therefore hunt at distances which will make this aim attainable, and selects and maintains equipment appropriate to the game hunted
- Uses only sharp broadheads, waits for clear, short shots, and avoids shots at running game – chooses not to shoot if the shot is questionable
- Shall endeavour, as far as practicable, to hunt down and mercifully dispatch all wounded game. Only after sincere and unavailing effort may the recovery of wounded game be abandoned. A member in the immediate area shall assist in recovery of wounded game if requested to do so.
- The bowhunter takes pride in membership of the Association, and associated responsibilities, and therefore:
- Acts in a sportsmanlike manner at all times
- Has obtained a good working knowledge of bush craft, first aid, and his own, and equipment, limitations
- Carries, at all times, proof of membership of the Association
- Obeys all rules for safe bowhunting, and exercises common sense whether on the hunt or on the field range, and will insist that fellow hunters, or archers, do the same
- Will not display on personal vestments, awards not legitimately earned
- Will not cause the Association to be brought into disrepute
- Obeys the Rules of Fair Chase, and all Rules and Regulations of the Association at all times.