After ensuring that your deer or turkey is dead and you have unloaded your firearm, what should you do next?

After confirming that your deer or turkey is dead and ensuring that your firearm is unloaded, the next appropriate step is to notch the tag. Notching the tag serves multiple important purposes in wildlife management and hunting regulations. It is a legal requirement that helps to ensure accurate record-keeping of harvested animals. By notching the tag, you are marking the harvest date and location, which assists conservation officers in monitoring wildlife populations and preventing overharvesting.

Notching the tag also demonstrates that you are following the regulations and guidelines established for ethical hunting practices. This action communicates to your fellow hunters and the authorities that you have complied with the necessary laws regarding your harvest.

It is essential to perform this step before moving on to any other actions such as packing up your gear, hiding the animal, or taking photographs. This prioritization underscores the importance of adhering to hunting laws and fostering responsible hunting practices.