The days are getting cooler, kids are heading back to school, and many of us are thinking about getting our last hikes in now that the smoke has cleared—and before the snow arrives! Many of our neighbors also plan to go hunting, as different hunting seasons open in the fall months.
We can all share, enjoy, and connect with the outdoors in ways that are meaningful to us by practicing some simple, smart safety steps while we’re out.
Know Your Local Hunting Seasons
August through October are when many big game hunters will be out hunting with family and friends. But some hunting seasons extend through the winter months. Know the general timeframes of different hunting seasons and the regulations for where you plan to hike. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is a great place to start!
Hike in the Middle of the Day
Many foraging animals are out at dusk and dawn, and hunters will be out too, so plan your hike for the middle of the day during this time of year. If you are out when it’s dark—maybe to catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset—make sure you’re visible to others sharing that space! Use a flashlight or headlamp, wear something reflective over bright colors, and make some noise!
Save White for Before Labor Day
Do you remember the old-fashioned rule to never wear white after Labor Day? In this case, that is sound wisdom! Wearing white in the woods can make you look like the rump of a deer or elk—and nobody wants that! Instead, stick to bright colors. Bright orange or hot pink on the upper half of your body and visible from 360 degrees, like the vests commonly worn by hunters, helps keep you visible and safe.
Make Some Noise!
Just like we don’t want to surprise animals such as bears or cougars that are hunting, human hunters are helped by being alerted to our presence. Talk with your friends, sing to your dog, and practice your whistle! Think of hunting season as the time to get out the last bit of summer’s energy before settling in for the winter, rather than a quiet time of wildlife watching. This helps ensure everyone has a great day in our forests.
Keep Your Dog on a Leash
Dogs must be on leash at all times on Land Trust Preserves and many Central Oregon hiking trails. During hunting season this protects your beloved pet from being mistaken for a game animal. This also protects your dog from other animals, protects our animal neighbors, and protects our plant life.
You can learn more about the impact that dogs have on wildlife here.
Use Caution Near Roads
We were taught this as kids, but always check before you cross or use a roadway! Many of our trails cross logging or forest service roads used by cars, trucks, and ATVs to access hunting camps. Look both ways and check twice.
Stay on Trails
This is always best practice to help preserve the soils, plants, and insects that make up the beautiful lands we love to visit. But this is especially important during hunting season, when hunters may track game to quieter areas of the woods. Hunting season is also a great time to visit more popular trailheads, or places like Whychus Canyon Preserve, where hunting is not allowed.
Hunting is not allowed at any Deschutes Land Trust Preserve. However, hunting is allowed in the Deschutes National Forest lands near and around the Metolius Preserve. The Land Trust marks Preserve boundaries with No Hunting signs, but it’s possible that hunters and their marks may stray into the Preserve, and visitors should exercise caution.
Want to hike with a group at this time of year? Check out our full schedule of fall Walks + Hikes!
Learn more: