Wanted to start a multi-year prep for a eventual through hike of CT. Was going to hike a couple segments - (probably 27 to start because it is close) next weekend. Hunting season has started…is it safe to hike during hunting season? Do hikers wear orange hats and vests?
Thanks.
Fury
If you hike during hunting season be sure and wear orange. Make yourself visible and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Pacemaker
I have never been shot at but once came through some brush to see a dog pointing and a hunter lowering his rifle. Thank goodness he looked before shooting. A woman in GA was shot just off the trail behind a bush a decade ago on the AT near Blood Mountain. She was going to the bathroom and as old custom dictated she shook the bush so that someone would not surprise her in a compromising position. She did survive and later was reported to comment that shaking the bush in such circumstances was not the best ideal. In short, most hunters are careful but you will be walking amongst people with lethal weapons anxious to bag some game. Some may be quicker on the trigger than others. All that said one would hope that on major trails hunters would use extra precaution. And like Pacemaker suggest wear orange or you might meet your peacemaker :cheers
stealthblew
I sectioned hiked the Colorado Trail along the Collegiate Range in 2009. The last planned section hike coincided with the first day of archery season. I was tracked by two or more noisy, bumbling (had to have been their first time) bow hunters. I could here rustling in the forest, twigs snapping, etc., and originally thought that is was a large animal approaching me at an angle. It wasn’t until I hear the muffled “Charlie Brown” voice off in the distance that I realized it wasn’t an animal, but bow-hunters that lacked stealth. Fortunately, they looked before taking a shot. I would highly recommend wearing a blaze orange vest and hat while hiking the CT this time of year.
Bernard
Hunters are ‘keyed in’ on blaze orange. I think wearing blaze orange is worthwhile. I think wearing blaze orange is better than other bright colors.
On Track
Blaze orange is always a good idea however most hunters are very careful about what they are shooting at and the chance of getting shot at is extremely low. Plus most hunters use the trails to get them to an area that they will hunt but do not hunt on the trail as the hikers scare the animals. They will set up away from the trail. I have been hiking for 40 years and have net many hunters while out there without one incident to report. Notice I always use the term most hunters as there are always a couple of yahoos that you need to watch out for.
Big B