rganized hunting on hunting farms has been practiced for many years throughout Africa, North America and Europe. In Québec, owners of these such businesses are conscious of the importance of regulating hunting activities on farms and respecting the animals in order to protect the image of such activities in the eyes of the general public as well as animal protection groups.

liminating animal cruelty in game hunting relies wholly on the competence and willingness of the proprietors of hunting farms. The following code constitutes a moral responsibility on the part of the breeders to practice and to promote game hunting methods that are safe as well as respectful to animals. The code of ethics was developed through discussion and consultation between concerned breeders in order to offer a quality hunting experience that corresponds to the client’s needs. This code will be subject to period updates according to the future developments in the game hunting industry.

1.0 Objective

To educate owners of hunting farms about the importance of adopting a respectable code of behavior towards the clients and the animals themselves.
To encourage the clientele to adopt a respectful code of behavior towards the environment and the animals themselves.
To promote a responsible business image that respects all present rules and regulations, and that demonstrates concern for the well-being of the animals.

2.0 Generalities

A hunting package on cynegetic farms requires a certain preparation on the part of the farm proprietor.

He must be knowledgeable of his land.

He must assure availability of the desired game and be acquainted with the animal’s behavior.

A description, an outline or an informational visit must be available to clients prior to the commencement of hunting activities.

Hunting activities, as well as the responsibilities of each of the parties, must be clearly established, preferably in a written contract.

The contract must be extremely clear on the following aspects :

• The game chosen (species, size, age, color, etc.);
• Anticipate responsibility in the case of injury or accidental killing of other animals not mentioned in the contract;
• Clear specification of the nature of services offered by the hunting farm; the price of hunting activities and the method of payment.

The handling of firearms must respect all pre-established safety rules. These rules must take into account the following : the proximity of public roads and homes, the type of game being hunted, the client’s ability and the client’s appropriate dress. The caliber and type of firearms to be used will be determined by the distance of the hunting farm in relation to public roads and housing; in order to assure the safety of everyone.

The behavior of the animals during the hunt is to be clearly explained to the client in order to avoid injury to animals as well as to humans.

No alcoholic beverages are to be consumed prior to or during the hunt.

Hunting farms must always be kept clean and clear of waste.

A printed copy of the code of ethics for hunting farms must be visible to all clients.

3.0 During hunting activities

A guide or a qualified employee may accompany each client or group of clients or stay in immediate contact with them at all times.

The client is advised not to fire upon an animal that is not in motion and that has not exposed a vital target area at an appropriate distance for the caliber of the arm used, in order to assure an adequate kill.

No shots shall be fired in the direction of public roadways or public property.

No shots shall be fired if any animal other than the one previously designated is at risk of being shot.

The client is encouraged to continue hunting the animal rather than simply injuring it. In the event that the animal is injured, all of the client’s, his group and the guide’s efforts will be thus concentrated on finding the injured animal.

The guide or someone in the client’s group will carry an arm that will serve to put down any game that has been injured.

4.0 After the kill

The killed game will be treated respectfully during any handling that follows.

If necessary, the appropriate methods for preserving venison will be explained to the client.

Photographs or video recordings of any trophies must be taken in a respectable manner in order not to offend anyone who may later view them.

5.0 Approach

All clients will be treated with respect, courtesy and politeness.

A shelter or rest area must be made available to clients.

6.0 Administrative rules

A receipt or transport certificate certifying the origin of the game is supplied to the client when required by fishery and wildlife services.

The hunting farm agrees to furnish hunting activity reports to the appropriate ministries upon request.