diff --git a/django_hoptcha/decorators.py b/django_hoptcha/decorators.py
index 9c4b607..27dec26 100755
--- a/django_hoptcha/decorators.py
+++ b/django_hoptcha/decorators.py
@@ -81,9 +81,6 @@ def hoptcha_protected(
     - debug_ignore: do not bypass CAPTCHA if in debug mode.
     """
 
-    if DEBUG and not debug_ignore:
-        return view_func(request, *args, **kwargs)
-
     if isinstance(key, str):
         key_func = BUILTIN_KEYS.get(key)
 
@@ -101,6 +98,9 @@ def hoptcha_protected(
     def decorator(view_func):
         @wraps(view_func)
         def _wrapped_view(request, *args, **kwargs):
+            if DEBUG and not debug_ignore:
+                return view_func(request, *args, **kwargs)
+
             if exempt_if and exempt_if(request):
                 return view_func(request, *args, **kwargs)