What does positive target identification require before taking a shot?

• A. You must positively identify the species and, where required, sex or age, ensure legal harvest, and confirm there are no non-target animals in your line of fire.
• B. You should identify only the color of the animal.
• C. You should identify the target after firing.
• D. You should identify the species only if you are hunting at dusk.

Answer: (A)

Before taking a shot, you must clearly identify exactly what animal you are looking at, and, where the law requires it, verify its sex or age. You also need to confirm that the harvest is legal and that no non-target animals are in your line of fire. This careful identification protects wildlife populations, keeps you compliant with laws and bag limits, and reduces the risk of accidentally harming the wrong animal or someone else.

Relying on color alone is not reliable, because many animals share similar colors and lighting can change how they appear. And identification should happen before firing, not after, because once a shot is fired you may not be able to stop a misidentification or ensure a safe, legal outcome. Always perform identification under safe conditions and in all lighting, ensuring there are no non-targets in the line of fire.