Which action should you take if you encounter an injured animal while hunting?

When encountering an injured animal while hunting, observing from a distance is the appropriate action because it allows you to assess the situation without risking further injury to yourself or the animal. Approaching an injured animal can provoke fear and unpredictable behavior, which may lead to additional harm to both the animal and the person approaching it. Keeping a safe distance ensures that you do not stress the animal unnecessarily and allows you to monitor its condition while deciding on the next steps, such as contacting wildlife authorities or seeking assistance.

Observing from a distance provides an opportunity to evaluate whether the animal is in distress or requires intervention. By doing so, you play a role in wildlife conservation and management, as there may be professionals better equipped to handle the situation. In some cases, wildlife officials will have protocols in place for dealing with injured animals, and your report can provide valuable information about the animal's location and condition.