Ride Safely During Hunting Season

Here in Vermont, 2014's big game hunting season started on Sept. 1 and runs, for one game animal or another, until Dec 14.  Many horse people like to trail ride through the woods at this time of year, enjoying our glorious foliage, the cooler temperatures and a reduced population of bugs ... but many are also concerned about sharing the woods with hunters carrying (depending on the season) bows, rifles or muzzle loaders.  Caution should be exercised, but with proper preparation and equipment, hunters and trail riders can share the woods safely.

RULE 1:  BE AWARE.  It's a good idea to know which season is currently running so you can know what you're likely to find out there.  During deer rifle season, for example, you're probably going to see hunters wearing blaze orange.  Turkey hunters, on the other hand, tend to favor more camouflage, so they'll be harder to spot.  Many deer hunters, whether using rifles or bows, hunt from tree stands, so remember to look up, too - lots of hunters have stories about hikers and rider who pass under their tree stands, never realizing there was a hunter overhead!  You can find a schedule of Vermont's big game seasons at the VT Fish and Wildlife website.

RULE 2:  BE HEARD.  You don't have to ride through the woods yelling as loudly as you can, but noise can make a hunter aware of you before you're visible.  Carrying on a conversation with your riding partner at a level that allows you to hear each other over the creak of tack, the crunch of leaves and the thud of hoofbeats will be loud enough to warn hunters of your presence.  Sing a song, recite poetry, or talk to your horse.  You can also hang a couple small cow bells from your horse's tack - the high-pitched jangle will be clearly audible and carry well.

RULE 3:  BE VISIBLE.  Blaze orange is commonly worn by hunters, so they're more likely to be "on alert" for that color than any other. We have blaze orange trail sheets (similar to a quarter sheet), helmet covers and trail bags from Mac Mountain Tack Repair that offer a high degree of visibility.  They're washable, lightweight and breathable (the helmet cover is made of a stretch lycra, and the "horse gear" is made from a vinyl covered poly mesh),  Mac Mountain also makes the Protectavest; it's a blaze orange vest that covers your horse's shoulders and chest and makes your horse very visible while out in the pasture (and we have those as well).  You can also braid ribbons of blaze orange surveying tape into your horse's mane and tail, or hang streamers of it from your saddle and bridle.

High-visibility yellow is another "safe" color to wear during hunting season.  We have leg and tail bands for the horse, kits for your bridle and halter, and helmet bands and vests for the rider.  This gear is also reflective, which makes it a good choice for those who like to ride in the early morning or later in the evening, or if you ride in areas with vehicle traffic.

Finally, consider a flashing light.  This will make hunters aware of you before sound or blaze orange will, especially in low-light conditions.  We have compact, light-weight flashers with 5 LED bulbs that are super-bright, water resistant and run on two AA batteries. They can be attached to your helmet, your arm, your boot or half-chap, your tack or your horse's tail.

(NOTE:  If all of this sounds like overkill, remember that "less is more" is NOT a rule to follow during hunting season.  So what if you and your horse are a jingling, LED-flashing, reflective mass of blaze orange and high-visibility yellow?  During hunting season, that's the look that will make sure you're noticed and safe!)

RULE 4:  BE PRUDENT.  A little caution and forethought can go a long way toward staying safe.

• If you know an area is a favored hunting spot, it might be best to avoid it at this time of year.  
• Whenever possible, ride on or near "posted" land, and be sure to keep to well-marked, open trails and fields - this is NOT a time of year to go bushwhacking!  
• If the trails in your area aren't well cleared with good visibility, consider spending this time brushing up on your ring work.  
• You may also choose to trail ride only during the week, when hunters aren't as likely to be out. 
• When you encounter a hunter, ask if s/he has seen any other hunters in the area.  
• If you see hunters heading in the direction you're going to ride, remember that you can turn around and ride elsewhere.
• Remember that, during rifle and muzzleloader season, you may be hearing gunshots, and your horse may spook as a result.  If your horse is extremely sensitive to loud noises, it might be best to stick to the arena during those seasons.

RULE 5:  BE RESPECTFUL.  If you see a hunter, please don't start yelling at the top of your lungs.  You may startle the hunter or scare away the game s/he's been patiently hunting. Treat them the way you'd like to be treated, and chances are very good that they'll return the favor. 

Remember that "no trespassing" signs apply to everyone - including you, unless you have permission from the land owner to ride across the property!  Of course, if you see someone disregarding a "posted" or "no trespassing" sign, the land owner would appreciate hearing about it.  It may be someone who has permission to hunt there ... or it may not; either way, the land owner should be notified. 

Here's hoping that everyone - hunter and horseback rider - has a happy and safe season!