Minnesota Firearms Safety Hunter Education Practice Exam

How should you approach a downed deer or other large game to ensure it's dead?

1. Quickly, to prevent it from getting up

2. Loudly, to scare any nearby animals away

3. From behind, while paying attention to its legs

4. Walking in a zigzag pattern

The correct answer is: From behind, while paying attention to its legs

When approaching a downed deer or other large game to ensure it is dead, it is crucial to approach from behind and pay attention to its legs. This approach is recommended to minimize the risk of the animal suddenly springing back to its feet, which can be dangerous. By observing the legs closely, you can look for any signs of movement or life in the animal, ensuring that it is indeed deceased before handling it further. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not advocate for a safe and cautious approach when dealing with downed game. Approaching quickly may startle the animal if it is still alive, approaching loudly can cause unnecessary stress to the animal and nearby wildlife, and walking in a zigzag pattern is not a recommended method for ensuring the animal is dead.