Keep you and your dog safe while hiking this fall: Wear blaze orange.
Photo:John Henkelman
By John Henkelman, Registered Maine Guide
The chill in the air and the brilliant hues of the maples signal that fall is here, and with it, a crucial responsibility for anyone sharing Maine’s trails: awareness of hunting season. The woods are a shared resource for hikers and hunters alike, and safety is the ultimate priority. This isn’t about one group ceding the woods to the other; it’s about mutual understanding and coexistence.
Know the Seasons, Know Your Route
My first piece of advice is to be aware of the hunting seasons. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife publishes them every year. Archery season for deer is already underway, with firearms season just around the corner (Nov. 1 for Maine residents), and we are in the middle of wild turkey general hunting season. Needless to say, it is a prime time to be outdoors.
Before you go, do your homework. Are you hiking on private or land trust land, a state park, or a wildlife management area? Not all public lands allow hunting. For example, some land trusts and state parks are entirely closed to hunting. A quick check of their website can provide peace of mind. Knowing what’s allowed where you plan to be is the first step in responsible hiking. If you are looking for a safer day, consider Sunday as it is illegal to hunt on Sunday in Maine, a rule that was upheld by the state Supreme Court in 2024.
Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Smart
Once you’ve done your research, you need to prepare. The single most effective safety measure for a hiker is to wear blaze orange. The law requires it for hunters, and it should be a personal mandate for hikers. An orange hat, a vest, a jacket—anything that makes you impossible to mistake for a game animal. Your dog should also be wearing blaze orange and should always be on a leash when on public lands.
Make some noise as you hike. While we love the solitude of the woods, a little noise is a good thing right now. A conversation with your hiking partner or the jingle of a bell can prevent a dangerous situation. Hunters are actively looking for things that are quiet and still; your movement and sound are your best defense.
Timing your hike is also a smart move. Hunters and game animals are most active at dawn and dusk. Planning your hikes for the middle of the day, from late morning to mid-afternoon, significantly reduces your chances of an encounter. The shorter daylight hours mean you need to be realistic about your turnaround time. Getting caught in the woods after dark isn’t fun – trust me.
A Shared Love for the Outdoors
The vast majority of hunters are highly trained, safety-conscious, and respectful. They want to avoid conflict as much as you do. By taking a few simple steps such as wearing blaze orange, making some noise, and being smart about your planning, we can all continue to enjoy Maine’s wild places safely. Let’s celebrate our shared love for the outdoors in this beautiful, and very special, time of year.
The post No Fowl Play: A Hiker’s Guide During Hunting Season appeared first on Sanford Springvale News.
