Final answer:
By law, a hunter who mistakenly shoots a protected animal should immediately report the incident to the appropriate authorities. This action helps in managing the situation legally and ethically.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a hunter mistakenly shoots a protected animal, by law, they should report the incident to the appropriate authorities immediately. Keeping it hidden, selling the animal, or ignoring the incident are not only unethical choices but are also likely to be illegal. Reporting the mistake is crucial as it enables wildlife officials to take necessary action to evaluate the situation and potentially mitigate any damage to the ecosystem. Moreover, self-reporting may also be considered a mitigating factor if any legal consequences arise.