"A bowhunter who hunts ethically is able to make wise decisions under pressure whether he/she is hunting in the woods or conducting their everyday life." Matthew Pointer, age 17

"Keeping the land clean is an ethical practice. We always try to leave our campsite better than we found it." Christopher Poteet, age 12

"...Makes sure that his or her clothes fit nice and comfortable. Checks and makes sure that nothing will get caught when releasing the bowstring." Angela Raber, age 13

"...I'm finding out that it is also not always about shooting something but about learning more and spending time with family and friends." Beau Rapier, age 12

"Ethics might seem like a small thing to many people, but in the woods the importance of ethics is immense." Chad Redman, age 14

"If someone is a trophy hunter and does not use game meat, it should be given to a friend who will eat it or to a charity that cooks it for the homeless." Jacob Rodgers, age 15

"I also realize some people may be offended by the experiences of hunters. I believe nonhunters have the same rights to their beliefs about hunting as I do." Heather Samson, age 17

"Ethical bowhunters are willing to take animals that are not wall-hangers but animals that need to be taken to help balance out populations and keep those populations healthy." Jarod Scudder, age 17

"He shows respect to nonhunters and does not display weapons or harvested game in a manner that may be disturbing to them." Kyle Seiss, age 15

"As a young bowhunter, I believe that being ethical is the key to being successful." Jack Shull, age 13

"They do not put down others over simple matters such as equipment choices, but instead they are always looking ahead to promote our sport." T.J. Souther, age 17

"...Have your treestands all put up for the deer to get used to the stands and all your branches cut so you can shoot all around you." Mark Stanley, age 14

"Bowhunters must always make sure they can make a clean shot so the animal will die quickly." Benjamin Sutton, age 17

"Influencing youth in a good way shows a good name for bowhunting. Youth are the future of bowhunting, so we must help them to be ethical." Heath Tieben, age 16

"In becoming an ethical bowhunter it takes work and the desire to develop strong personal traits. It takes time to become an ethical bowhunter, but it is important for personal growth, the game we hunt, and the sport." Shelby Van Etten, age 13

"...The most important ethic is for a hunter to respect herself. If a hunter doesn't respect herself, she won't be able to keep herself safe, be safe around others, or make the right decisions." Kylie VanArsdale, age 14

"Even if he doesn't shoot an animal, a bowhunter will be successful because he acted responsibly in his sport." Benjamin Weldon, age 15

"An ethical bowhunter is someone who waits for the right shot." Austin Wells, age 13

"Ethical bowhunting starts with the best archery equipment you can afford." Garrett Williams, age 12

"He is an ambassador in the public eye who represents all that is good about bowhunting, both as a sport and as an integral part of wildlife management." Matt Williams, age 17

"An ethical bowhunter will gain permission to hunt and then scout and trim shooting lanes so the shot is perfect." Grant Williamson, age 15

"A hunter needs proper education, training, and safety." Christopher Woolleyhan, age 16

"Responsibility plus respect equals reward." Mark Worner, age 17

For details on Bowhunter's 2007 Youth Hunter Essay Contest, don't miss the upcoming December issue, due out October 3, 2006.