Hike Safe During Hunting Season

As the weather grows cooler, many hikers across the northeast will find themselves sharing the woods with local hunters. During this time of year, many hikers choose to stick to areas such as national parks and conservation land where hunting is illegal. If you do opt to venture into hunting territory, however, it is important to know how to keep yourself safe on trail.

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Know Local Laws and Regulations

Anyone entering the woods is responsible for knowing hunting laws and regulations and obeying all posted signs. Visit your local DEM management for details about hunting seasons in your state.

Avoid Hiking at Dawn and Dusk

Dawn and Dusk are times of increased wildlife activity and, therefore, increased hunter activity as well. Low light at the beginning and end of the day may also decrease viability and affect hunters’ ability to differentiate between colors.

Stay on Trail

Hunters are looking for quiet, secluded areas so hikers should stay on regularly frequented trails. Heavily used trails are unattractive to wildlife and are places where hunters expect to encounter people.

Make Noise

Similar to when hiking in bear country, hikers should make their presence known in the woods during hunting season. Talk, chant, or sing your way down the trail to let others know that you are in the area and you are human.

Wear Bright Colors

During hunting season, hikers should wear bright colors. Avoid earth tones such and brown and grey. During certain game seasons there may be other specific colors to avoid. (For example, stay away from white during deer season.) Many areas actually require that anyone entering the woods be wearing a specified amount of florescent orange (also known as blaze or safety orange).