What Is the Difference Between Game and Nongame Species?

Generally, game species are creatures hunted for sport and consumption, whereas nongame are those protected from hunting by a wildlife management authority or traditionally not hunted. Targeting nongame species is unethical and can land you in serious hot water. 

However, these classifications can shift culturally and regionally and are subject to various determining factors. Due to this, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the difference and what it means for modern hunters. To help, we'll examine the difference between game and nongame species in depth.  

Definition and Classification 

So, what's the difference? The distinction between game and nongame species relates to their purpose and designation from wildlife bodies in relation to hunting. 

Game Species 

Game species are designated as such by a relevant authority and targeted or harvested for food and recreation. They generally have historical importance as a sustainable food source and can range from large species, such as Elk, to small bird species, such as pheasants. 

Game species are designated based on size and sometimes type, such as:

• Big game
• Small game
• Waterfowl 
• Upland such as turkeys 
• Predator
• Exotic 

Game species are generally classified by a number of different regulatory factors inducing: 

• Legal regulation: For a species to be considered a game, it must be designated as such by a wildlife management body. This regulation may include particular laws governing hunting, including designated seasons, bag limits, and specific hunting methods and weapon types. 
   
• Hunting and harvest: Game species are actively targeted for meat or recreation. Wildlife authorities may consider a particular species to be hunted ethically as part of its designation as a game species. 
   
• Ecological criteria: Game species generally fulfill several different environmental criteria, including population numbers, minimal risk of endangerment from hunting, and no negative impact on local ecology if hunted. Wildlife authorities may also consider the source of value for other wildlife, habitat maintenance, impact on vegetation, reproduction rate, and more when considering the designation of a game species. 
   
• Conservational importance: Game species also have recreational value and can help fund conservation through permits, license fees, and the designation of a species as "game" to reduce the numbers if overpopulation becomes an issue. 

As societal, cultural, and ecological forces change, the designation of game species will and does shift over time. So, when planning your hunt, make sure you check state resources or the information provided in the HuntWise app regarding designations and regulations.

Nongame Species 

Nongame species include any animal not explicitly designated as a game species. This designation is often based on factors such as population status, distribution, and habitat requirements.

Additional considerations include: 

• Legal regulation: Nongame species can be regulated by various protections such as designated conservation zones or inclusion in an endangered species list and acts. These species are often defined simply by their nongame status.
   
• Hunting and harvesting: Nongame species are often of more significant conservation concern due to threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, meaning they are not to be hunted, and any attempts will be met with legal consequences. 
   
• Cultural and location distinctions: Cultural considerations come into play as each culture's practices reflect the historical and ethical values of the society. For example, the bald and golden eagles are protected under a specific act due to their symbolic significance to the United States. 
   
• Ecological criteria: Certain species are essential to maintaining a healthy ecological balance and are therefore protected. For example, reducing the number of keystone predators and species would have an immense flow-on due to their disproportionate effect on a broader range of species, throwing out the balance. 

In general, nongame species include many common animals you might find around your home, like some species of rabbit, small birds, chipmunks, frogs, lizards, and more. 

Can You Ever Hunt Nongame Species? 

It depends on the area and the regulations tied to animals classified in that area. 

Coyotes are a good example. Although these animals are often classified as nongame, and you'll struggle to find hunters after them for their meat, in many states, hunting them is legal – often year-round. In fact, deer hunters should consider hunting coyotes to help manage the deer and coyote populations. 

Use HuntWise to Know the Difference

As legal and regulatory designations shift across zones and cultural areas, it's essential to know that you are hunting ethically and respectfully and only targeting species designated as game. 

Using an app like HuntWise, which showcases location-specific regulations and the legal status of animals in your area, is the most accurate way to stay on top of any specific animal regulations. You'll be confident that you know when, where, and what is legal to hunt at any given time. 

Additionally, you can use the app to plan your hunts, stay informed about the weather, mark projected hunting zones, and more to improve the success of your hunts. 

Know Where to Hunt Game or Nongame Species With HuntWise

While the environmental authorities may set their game and nongame species classifications, as a hunter, you are responsible for being informed about the status, protection, and limitations of any species you're going after. 

Staying on top of these distinctions is necessary to avoid fines and legal troubles, and it is part of your duty as a responsible and ethical hunter.

Knowing what you can and can't hunt (plus when and where) also helps you get more time in the field! We want you to make the most of every hunt and bring home the animals you're after every time. So, as you plan your next hunt, make sure you have the HuntWise app to e-scout hunting locations, track animal behavior, and come home with that trophy buck. 

We give you a headstart on your next successful hunt with one week of free access to everything in the app. Download and try it today!