Minnesota Firearms Safety Hunter Education Practice Exam

What is the correct action to take if you encounter wildlife while hiking during hunting season?

1. Attempt to feed the wildlife

2. Make loud noises to scare it away

3. Observe quietly and keep a safe distance

4. Try to pet the animal

The correct answer is: Observe quietly and keep a safe distance

Encountering wildlife while hiking during hunting season can be a potentially hazardous situation. Attempting to feed the wildlife, as option A suggests, can encourage them to become more aggressive and potentially dangerous. Similarly, option D to try to pet the animal can also put you in danger as wild animals are not accustomed to human interaction and may perceive it as a threat. Making loud noises, as suggested in option B, may startle the animal and cause it to run away, but it can also agitate or provoke it, especially if it is a prey species. It is best to observe the animal quietly and stay at a safe distance to avoid any potential confrontation. Therefore, the correct action to take when encountering wildlife while hiking during hunting season is to observe quietly and keep a safe distance, as mentioned in option C. This allows the animal to go about its usual activities without interference and ensures the safety of both the hiker and the wildlife.