Stay Safe During Hunting Season
Fall hunting season opens this month in many parts of the country. Here are five ways to protect yourself and your horse from being mistaken for quarry whether you're on the trail or outdoors at home.
Ride in a group. The more horses and riders, the more conspicuous you'll be in the woods. Talk, laugh or sing as you go to make your presence known.
Be visible. At minimum, wear a blaze orange hunting vest. Consider outfitting your horse in Day-Glo leg wraps and weaving bright orange surveyors flagging tape into his mane and tail. Hang Hunter Bells on your saddle.
Check in with local landowners. If you routinely ride across their property, verify that you're still welcome during hunting season. Many people lease lands to hunters in the fall.
Patrol your own property. If you notice signs of unauthorized hunting, including salt blocks or deer stands, check with local game officials about your recourse. Post "no hunting" signs that meet local requirements.
Turn out horses in nearby paddocks cleared of trees. If necessary, temporarily relocate them from remote, wooded areas until hunting season is over.
