Are there restrictions on hunting methods for Pope & Young?

Adherence to Guidelines

Pope & Young Club requires hunters to adhere to established guidelines for equipment, hunting methods, and game handling. For archery equipment, hunters must use a bow with a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds and a maximum draw weight of 80 pounds, depending on the species being hunted. In addition, all arrows used must have a minimum of 400 grains of weight. The use of broadheads, which are designed to expand upon impact and deliver a fatal wound, is also mandatory.

Fair Chase Principles

Pope & Young Club is dedicated to promoting fair chase hunting principles, which dictate that hunters must pursue their quarry in a way that is respectful and sporting. This means that hunters must avoid using bait, decoys, and other forms of artificial assistance that can give them an unfair advantage. Furthermore, hunters must also avoid using high-powered optics, such as scopes with 20x magnification, as these can compromise the hunter’s ability to make clean kills. The use of tree stands and ground blinds is also permitted, but hunters must ensure that these are not used to conceal their presence from the animal.

Record-Keeping and Submission

To be eligible for Pope & Young Club recognition, hunters must submit a detailed record of their hunt, including photographs, measurements, and other documentation. The use of a certified scorer is also required to verify the measurements of the harvested animal. Hunters must also sign a declaration stating that they have adhered to the organization’s guidelines and that the hunt was conducted in a fair and sporting manner.