Quick Answer
A fair chase in Pope & Young standards is defined as a hunt where the animal is pursued under conditions that allow the animal to use its natural abilities to its fullest extent, without artificial aids or undue advantage.
Definition and Requirements
A fair chase in Pope & Young archery is not just about the hunter’s skills, but also about the environment and the ethics of the hunt. To qualify as a fair chase, the hunter must not use motorized vehicles or other mechanical aids to locate or pursue the animal. The hunter must also not use bait or other artificial means to attract the animal.
Pursuit and Tracking
In a fair chase, the hunter must pursue the animal on foot, using their knowledge of the terrain and the animal’s habits to track and locate it. The hunter must also not use dogs or other animals to chase or pursue the animal. Pope & Young requires that the hunter must be able to see the animal at all times during the pursuit, and that the animal must be able to use its natural abilities to evade the hunter. This means that the hunter must be within a reasonable distance from the animal, typically no more than 100 yards, and that the animal must be able to run and hide if it chooses to do so.
Scoring and Judging
In a fair chase, the hunter must also adhere to Pope & Young’s scoring and judging criteria. This includes the size and quality of the antlers, as well as the animal’s overall condition and health. The hunter must also document the hunt with photographs and witness statements to verify the fair chase conditions and the animal’s trophy quality.
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