Appalachian Mountain Club - Delaware Valley Chapter

Tips on Safe Hiking during Hunting Season

A properly licensed hunter has every bit as much right to be in the woods as you. With a little thought and care, hiking during hunting season can be a safe experience.

Follow the same procedures for safety as during any other season:
- Let someone know where you're going, your route, and the time you expect to be back.
- Know your location and the surrounding areas
- Carry the 10 Essentials
Know the dates of hunting seasons and their locations
Remember, while hunting is usually associated with Fall, hunting can occur at any time of the year, with different game have different seasons.
Also, some states (such as PA) don't allow hunting on Sundays.
Wear lots of Hunter Safety orange. You should make sure that it is visible from all sides (360°). Some states (e.g., PA) require this.
Hike on lands that prohibit hunting, but remember that a few hunters will go there anyway.
Rifle season (usually in the Fall) is the biggest worry. Muzzle loader, archery, and other non-rifle seasons are many fewer participants.
Deer season is of most concern. Other game (such as fowl) usually requires the hunter to shoot upwards and/or be closer to the prey.
Don't wear brown or white: these are the colors of deer, much increasing your chance of being mistaken.
Make noise-talk, sing, step on branches-to let hunters know that you're coming. Bells can be useful as they are useful in alerting bears to your presence.
Greet hunters to let them know you're around.
Hike on busy trails. Few hunters wait near busy trails because the game is scared away!
You may want to avoid opening day of deer season, as many hunters only go out on this 1 day.

We always welcome additional suggestions for training opportunities. Please e-mail any suggested additions or comments to the education chair.