What steps should be taken if you come across an injured animal while hunting?

When you come across an injured animal while hunting, the best course of action is to contact a wildlife agency for assistance. Wildlife agencies are equipped with the training, resources, and legal authority to handle situations involving injured wildlife. They can assess the situation and provide the appropriate care, which may involve rescuing the animal or euthanizing it humanely if it is suffering and unable to recover.

Attempting to heal the animal on your own may not only be ineffective but could also stress the animal further or lead to unintended harm. Ignoring the injured animal and continuing to hunt does not align with ethical hunting practices, which emphasize the humane treatment of all creatures. While calling a veterinarian may be appropriate in certain circumstances involving domestic animals, wildlife typically requires specialized care that wildlife management professionals can best provide. Thus, reaching out to a wildlife agency ensures that the injured animal receives the proper attention it needs.