Hunting seasons have arrived in the Granite State as has an increased public interest in exploring woodland trails, paths, and byways. As we enter into the Granite State’s extremely popular deer season, hunters must be aware of increased recreational activity in New Hampshire’s forests and fields.

All outdoor enthusiasts, no matter where they venture, must be committed to ensuring their own personal safety while understanding the different ways residents and visitors enjoy all that New Hampshire has to offer. Be sure to be seen; blaze orange is common sense for people recreating outside during hunting seasons. Here are some additional tips to help everyone have a safe and enjoyable fall:

1. Be aware of your surroundings. This seems like common sense, but remembering and acknowledging that it is hunting season will improve your awareness. Know the dates of hunting seasons in your area by looking them up online in the annual NH Hunting and Trapping Digest by visiting www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/dates-and-seasons. Many hunting seasons, especially firearms seasons, are much shorter in duration than most people realize.
2. Pick the right trail. During the fall, stick to established hiking trails. Hunters generally avoid heavily used hiking paths because activity in the woods usually frightens game species. As a result, hunters will be situated deeper in the woods.
3. Pick the right time. Legal hunting times in New Hampshire for most game run from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. Wildlife, and consequently hunters, are most active at dawn and dusk. Midday hikes when light conditions are optimal are best for the fall. You are also much less likely to run into a hunter during mid-week hikes because the majority of hunting takes place on weekends.
4. Wear hunter orange. Anyone who enjoys the outdoors in New Hampshire should already own a piece of bright “blaze” orange clothing, and fall is the time to wear it. An orange hat, handkerchief, vest, or shirt is a must for this time of year. This will make you more visible to anyone in the woods. Don’t forget to also put some orange on the family dog and consider putting them on a leash at all times for their safety.
5. Make some noise. Talk, sing, or whistle to make your presence known in the woods. Chances are good that anyone in your vicinity has already heard you, and the singing will make you more noticeable. This is great advice for any time of year, and placing a bell on your dog’s collar is another excellent way to make continuous noise during a hike.
6. Hike safe. Be sure to follow the hiker responsibility code by being knowledgeable about where you are going, what the local weather and terrain conditions are, leaving your plans with someone, staying together, planning and preparing for emergencies, and turning back in inclement weather, if you are running out of daylight, or if you are to fatigued. Visit www.hikesafe.com for more information.

For more information on dates and details of New Hampshire’s hunting seasons, visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/dates-and-seasons.

Fall is a great time to get outside, and with these tips we can all enjoy and share the outdoors safely. For more information on hiking, visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/get-outside/hiking-safety.