What is the difference between game and non-game species?

• A. Non-game are protected
• B. Non-game can be hunted
• C. Game species can be legally hunted
• D. Game species are always endangered

Answer: (C)

In wildlife management, the distinction rests on hunting status and how populations are treated. Game species are animals designated for hunting and are actively managed for harvest, which means there are established seasons, licenses, and bag limits to keep hunting sustainable. Non-game species are not hunted under normal regulations; they are typically protected or not pursued for sport or food, reflecting conservation as the primary goal. So, the key point is that game species can be legally hunted under regulated conditions, while non-game species are generally not harvested. The other statements don’t reliably describe the difference: non-game aren’t universally protected, non-game aren’t routinely hunted, and game species aren’t inherently endangered.