Hunting is an activity deeply rooted in American and European culture. But as the North American population becomes more urbanized and the food system industrialized, hunting has become a marginalized activity subject to political opposition. Headline stories of unethical and unsafe hunters turn non-hunters against hunting, while animal rights activists have succeeded in pass laws aimed at limiting hunting in many jurisdictions. Hunters of all sorts should recognize the risk that their sport may one day become illegal in the United States, much as fox hunting is in Britain, if they do not collectively organize to both recruit new hunters and to promote ethical hunting.This essay argues for the application of a universal set of hunting ethics as a direct way to counter the influence of anti-hunting organizations, to increase safety in the field, and to recruit new hunters to the sport. It explores the historical evolution of hunting ethics in western culture and the legal context of hunting in the United States in particular, examines several high-profile anti-hunting actions of the 1990s, and explains how modern ethical systems rooted in the long history of hunting would best serve the future of the sport. Ultimately, the author concludes, it is the responsibility of all hunters to protect and foster the future of their sport by insisting all hunters are ethical hunters. A model ethical code for hunters is presented, including a basic checklist for any hunters interested in developing their own approach to hunting ethics.Previous versions of this essay have been used in hunter education courses in multiple states and as discussion material for meetings of hunters on the local and regional levels. The author is a lifelong hunter and a professional historian.