Camping and Hiking During Hunting Season: How to Stay Safe

The best weeks of fall camping, with cool nights, no bugs and the leaves changing, are also hunting season in most of the country. Hunters and campers share a lot of the same land. Almost always that goes fine. A few simple habits keep it that way.

01Where hunting is allowed

• National forests and BLM land: hunting is generally allowed, under state hunting rules. This is also where most dispersed camping happens.
• State forests and wildlife areas: many allow hunting. Some campgrounds inside them stay open during the season.
• National parks: most do not allow hunting. Some National Park Service areas do, such as many national preserves and some national recreation areas. Check the park's own website.
• Private campgrounds: hunting nearby depends on the land around them. Ask the office.

Each state sets its own seasons and dates, and they vary by animal and by weapon. Look up your state's wildlife agency (the Department of Natural Resources or Fish and Game) for the dates where you're going. Firearm deer season is usually the busiest time in the woods.

02Wear blaze orange

Many states require hunters to wear blaze orange during firearm seasons. Campers and hikers usually aren't required to, but it's the single best thing you can do. Orange stands out against fall woods in a way nothing else does.

• An orange hat and an orange vest or jacket.
• Avoid brown, tan, white and black on the trail. White can look like the tail of a deer.
• Your dog needs orange too. An orange vest or collar, and keep them on a leash. See camping with dogs.
• Orange on your pack, tent or camp chair helps people see your camp from a distance.

03Be heard, too

Talking with your friends, whistling, or a bell on your pack lets hunters know you're there. You don't need to be loud; just don't sneak through the woods at dawn and dusk.

04Timing

Dawn and dusk are when hunters are most active. If you're hiking in an area open to hunting, midday is the quietest time to be on the trail.

05Be a good neighbor

Hunters often scout and set up in the same areas for weeks. Don't touch tree stands, trail cameras or bait sites, and don't park blocking a gate or a pull-off. Most hunters are glad to say hello and tell you which way they'll be heading.

Plan ahead: if your favorite spot is busy during firearm season, it might be a good weekend for a developed campground. See Recreation.gov booking tips.

Photo by jackmac34 on Pixabay.

Related: Fall Camping: How to Stay Warm When Nights Drop Below 40