Hunting seasons are underway all over the country. If you don't hunt but still want to hike, bike, or otherwise enjoy the wonderful fall season, it's important to remember that you're sharing the woods with hunters. It's certainly fair to say that they're as worried about you as you are about them--the absolute last thing anyone wants is an incident involving injury! That said, there are things you can do to make it easier and safer for everyone. Today, we have five easy tips, courtesy of Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks division, to keep your adventures safe for everyone:
1. The brighter, the better. If you’re not a hunter, you probably don’t have a ton of blaze orange in your closet, but it would be worth investing in a vest or at least a hat that sticks out in the woods. The neon-green high-visibility vests that highway workers wear work just as well as blaze orange. Also, for you dogwalkers, consider dressing up your four-legged friend with something bright, like a vest.
2. Stick to the beaten path. Trails aren’t just easier on your boots, they’re where hunters expect to see people. Off-trail bushwhacking? Maybe save it for spring.
3. Make some noise. Chat with your hiking buddy, sing to your dog, or practice your whistling. The idea is to sound like a human, not a critter sneaking around. That's not all it will help: Making noise also helps minimize the possibility of a surprise bear or snake encounter.
4. Time it right. Hunters love sunrise and sunset. If you’d rather skip the overlap, head out mid-morning when the light is good and the coffee has kicked in.
5. Respect the signs. If an area is posted for hunting or temporarily closed, treat it like a “do not disturb” sign. Or if you get to a trailhead that’s full, maybe try another spot.
Bottom line? Enjoy the fall colors, breathe that crisp autumn air, and stay safe. The woods are wide open for everyone to recreate responsibly.
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