The Oranges of Fall

Ah, it’s fall again. The most beautiful and perfect season to get out and take a hike among the brilliant autumn colors of the hardwoods that line the mountains and hillsides, the air is crisp and cool.

While it’s the best time of year to take a hike, it’s also that time when hikers need to be alert, smart, and knowledgeable before they hit the trail - it’s also hunting season.

Now most of you know the rules already but there are a lot of you who are new to the sport that may not know them. Heck, there's probably some seasoned veteran hikers out there who could use a refresher. So, today I'm departing from my normal weekly banter about writing and the good old days to review the basic rules that will keep you safe when hiking during hunting season.

1. Do You Know When Hunting Season Is? 

You might "think" you know but you could be missing something. There is deer season, squirrel season, duck season, rabbit season (don't go there with the Looney Tunes jokes!), then divide those down into bow season, rifle season, hunting dog season. You can see how tricky it can be. Visit the National Forest Service website for dates in the national forests around the country as well as the department of conservation in your particular state. If you're in Alabama visit the ADCNR site.  

2. Do You Know Where Hunting is Allowed?

I find that many hikers aren’t familiar with areas where hunting is permitted. Look it up before you head out. Even a place that you would assume wouldn’t allow hunting just may. I went to Brierfield Ironworks Historic State Park in Brierfield, Alabama, a couple of years ago and was very surprised that they had a bow tournament going on. They weren’t hunting but it was a bow and arrow competition on the trails. Lesson learned.

3. Wear That Orange!

This is simple enough – hunter orange jackets, hats, sweatshirts, even pack covers will do the trick but be sure you wear more than the minimum. Some states require 400 square inches of orange while in Alabama it’s 144. Don’t skimp on this!

4. And Your Little Dog, Too

If you hike with your dog, don’t forget to dress them in orange, too! There are many companies out there like Chewy.Com and L.L. Bean that make vests for them in hunter orange.

5. Is there a Time of Day to Avoid Hunters?

A general rule of thumb is that the best hunting is early morning or late evening but that is not a hard and fast rule. Use your best judgment about when to hike a trail where you know there is hunting.

6. Let Them Know You’re There

If you hear gunshots, let them know your there. Talk louder, whistle, walk heavy. Make it known that you’re there, too, and you’d like to pass through.