Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts challenged by stay-at-home orders know that going outside is still a possibility. Favorite activities such as hunting, fishing, shooting, cycling, hiking, nature watching, even running can be done responsibly, with an eye to stopping the spread of coronavirus. A new media campaign #ResponsibleRecreation aims to encourage outdoor recreation and proper safety protocols.
DSC is taking the pledge for #ResponsibleRecreation, joining with other conservation leaders, including the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Congressional Sportsman Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever and Trout Unlimited.
Whether participating in hunting, fishing, shooting sports or numerous other outdoor activities, the conservation community sees the #ResponsibleRecreation campaign as a safe and constructive way to encourage individuals and families to get outside and enjoy the outdoors as a means to cope with the current COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to advocating safe outdoor etiquette, the campaign also encourages Americans to take advantage of the numerous opportunities this country offers to recreate on public lands, waters and parks.
The campaign seeks to establish guidelines for practicing #ResponsibleRecreation that are in line with the Center for Disease Prevention and Control and include maintaining proper social distancing and adhering to best practices to avoid COVID-19. Obviously, many hunters hunt solo which is the best kind of social distancing. If you do hunt alone, remember to leave a plan with someone who can check in with you. Chances are you are hunting with family or friends, so here are some things to remember.
- Buy your ammo and licenses, when possible, online and have them sent to you.
- Travel to the hunting site in separate vehicles if possible.
- Wear a mask when in close quarters with each other and limit the amount of time spent in close quarters. If you have a neck gaiter or a buff, it can be used to cover your nose and mouth and will help with your camouflage.
- Keep six feet between you if possible.
- Use hand sanitizer liberally if you cannot wash your hands with soap and water.
- Do not share cups or bottles, eating utensils, binoculars, scopes or firearms.
- Sleep in separate rooms, tents, or with proper spacing if it’s a bunkhouse-style accommodation.
- Celebrate the hunt in a “contactless” fashion-it’s about the hunt not the glory.
While many of the organizations involved in kicking off #ResponsibleRecreation have their own interests i.e., hunting, fishing or shooting sports, it is important to note that #ResponsibleRecreation seeks to engage all interests enjoying the outdoors safely and responsibly.
DSC is asking all of its members to join in the campaign by taking the pledge at www.responsible-recreation.org, and also posting about their outdoor pursuits with the hashtag #ResponsibleRecreation on their own social media.
About DSC
A member of IUCN, DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. DSC has a global conservation footprint and grants funds for conservation, education and advocacy. In the past year alone, $2.5 million was channeled to qualified projects, organizations and programs in support of that mission. Get involved with DSC at www.biggame.org.
About DSCF
DSC Foundation is a non-profit corporation organized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. DSC Foundation serves the mission of DSC to conserve wildlife and wilderness lands, to educate youth and the general public and to promote and protect the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Learn more about DSC Foundation at www.dscf.org.
