Be Safe During Hunting Season

Posted by Jeff on Sep 11, 2014 @ 11:53 am in Hiking News | 0 comments | Last modified: September 11, 2014

The deer season for bow hunters begins September 13 across North Carolina for 2014, and the U.S. Forest Service reminds hunters and non-hunters to practice safety when visiting the four national forests. Dates are likely to be similar in other states.

The following are just a few tips hunters should follow to ensure they return home safely from the Croatan, Uwharrie, Pisgah, or Nantahala:

• Check weather reports before visiting the forest.
• Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you will return.
• During certain seasons, hunters must wear hunter (blaze) orange viewable from all directions.

Here are just some of the tips non-hunters should practice during hunting season:

• Wear bright clothing.
• Make yourself more visible.
• Choose colors that stand out, like red, blaze orange or green, and avoid white, blacks, browns, earth-toned greens and animal-colored clothing.
• Orange vests and hats are advisable.
• Don’t forget to protect fido. Get an orange vest for your dog if he/she accompanies you.

Make noise. Whistle, sing or carry on a conversation as you walk to alert hunters to your presence. Sound carries well across mountain basins, and hunters should be listening for any sounds of animal movement.

Remember, your safety is your responsibility when visiting a national forest.

Here is a complete list of safety tips for hunters and non-hunters.