What should you do first after approaching downed game?

The correct first step after approaching downed game is to confirm the animal is dead. This is crucial for both safety and ethical reasons. A downed animal may still be alive and could potentially be dangerous if approached too closely. Checking for signs of life, such as movement or breath, ensures you don’t inadvertently put yourself at risk. Once it is confirmed that the animal is deceased, you can then proceed with the next steps, such as tagging the animal for legal purposes, field dressing, or taking photographs. These subsequent actions are important but must only be done once you are certain that the animal is no longer alive, ensuring a humane and safe hunting practice.