CORE Recreational Ethics and Regulations 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What ethical principle is most directly violated when a hunter takes more game than the legal bag limit, even if the surplus is shared with others?
- The principle of fair chase
- The principle of legal and regulated harvest (Correct answer)
- The principle of wildlife aesthetics
- The principle of habitat stewardship
Correct answer: The principle of legal and regulated harvest
Bag limits are set by wildlife managers to ensure sustainable harvest, and exceeding them constitutes poaching regardless of how the extra animals are used.
Question 2: A hiker encounters a historical arrowhead on the surface of a trail in a national park. What should they do?
- Take it since surface finds are not covered by law
- Leave it in place and report its location to park rangers (Correct answer)
- Move it off the trail so it is not stepped on
- Photograph it and post the location online
Correct answer: Leave it in place and report its location to park rangers
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) prohibits removing, defacing, or excavating archaeological artifacts on federal land without a permit.
Question 3: Which behavior is considered ethical when encountering wildlife while hiking in a national forest?
- Feeding animals granola bars since they are natural ingredients
- Observing from a distance without attempting to approach or feed them (Correct answer)
- Making loud noises to drive animals away from the trail
- Baiting animals with food to get a better photograph
Correct answer: Observing from a distance without attempting to approach or feed them
Observing wildlife from a distance without interacting with them prevents habituation, protects both animals and humans, and is mandated by most public land regulations.
Question 4: What is the primary conservation goal behind establishing seasonal hunting and fishing closures?
- To give wildlife managers a break from field surveys
- To protect animals during critical periods such as breeding or spawning (Correct answer)
- To allow vegetation to recover from recreational pressure
- To reduce conflicts between hunters and hikers
Correct answer: To protect animals during critical periods such as breeding or spawning
Seasonal closures protect wildlife during their most vulnerable life stages, such as breeding, nesting, or spawning, to ensure successful reproduction.
Question 5: A mountain biker riding a multi-use trail encounters equestrians. According to standard trail etiquette and regulations, who has the right of way?
- The mountain biker, since bikes move faster
- The equestrians, because horses can be startled by bicycles (Correct answer)
- Whoever arrived at the trail first
- Both must yield to each other equally
Correct answer: The equestrians, because horses can be startled by bicycles
Horses are unpredictable around fast-moving bicycles and can injure riders, so equestrians have right of way on multi-use trails as standard etiquette and many land-use rules.
Question 6: Which practice is most consistent with ethical and legal standards for disposing of human waste in a remote backcountry area?
- Burying waste in a cathole 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites (Correct answer)
- Covering waste with a rock to prevent spread
- Depositing waste directly into a fast-moving stream to dilute it
- Burning toilet paper in a small fire anywhere in the backcountry
Correct answer: Burying waste in a cathole 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites
The cathole method — 6-8 inches deep, 200 feet from water and trails — is the standard Leave No Trace recommendation for human waste disposal.
Question 7: What does the term 'sportsmanship' encompass in the context of outdoor recreation ethics?
- Competing to harvest the most game or fish possible
- Following laws, respecting fellow recreationists, and honoring wildlife and the land (Correct answer)
- Pursuing game using the most advanced available technology
- Prioritizing personal success over conservation concerns
Correct answer: Following laws, respecting fellow recreationists, and honoring wildlife and the land
Sportsmanship in outdoor recreation means adhering to legal and ethical standards, respecting others, and showing reverence for wildlife and natural resources.
CORE Recreational Ethics and Regulations 5
What ethical principle is most directly violated when a hunter takes more game than the legal bag limit, even if the surplus is shared with others?