Don’t be so quick to put away your orange clothing, now that Halloween is over. Deer hunting season in Maine has officially begun, and it is allowed on many of the dog friendly trails that we review. Therefore, here is our annual reminder to wear blaze-orange and other safety precautions to take when hiking with dogs.
Be a Flashy Dresser: Dogs, when hiking wear a blaze-orange vest! An orange vest can save your life by letting hunters know you are in the area. Also we strongly urge you to wear a vest as opposed to simply a blaze-orange bandana or collar. A vest will make you more visible to hunters through the dense underbrush. Being a flashy dresser applies to humans too! Please follow hunting safety regulations and wear blaze-orange clothing that are visible from all directions if you are hiking this autumn.
Ring a Ding Ding: Although most dogs head to the woods for peace and quiet, make noise! By making noise, you will let the hunter know that you are in the area. We’re not talking just the rustling of leaves either, which can easily be mistaken by hunters for game. We mean NOISE! We attach a bell to our collars; and Dad tends to whistle, while Mom has been known to burst into song. Ok, so maybe singing isn’t the best option, especially if you sound like Mom. However, by chatting, jingling a bell, or similar noises, it certainly makes your presence known. Also if you hear hunters in the area, especially shots, speak up! A loud “Hikers on the Trail!” will make everyone aware of your presence as you exit the area, and give them their space.
Don’t be a Trail Blazer: Hunters generally know where hiking trails are located and try to avoid those areas, so please stick to established trails. Another reason to stay on the trail is to avoid traps hunters may have set in the underbrush. If you’re prone to blazing new paths, have your owners leash you up during fall hikes. Oh sure the rules may say dogs are allowed off-leash, but sometimes it is necessary to use a leash anyways for your safety. You can still enjoy your hike tethered to a human. Besides, it keeps them from wandering off too. Also if you are allowed off-leash, stay within eyesight of your owner. And always, COME when called! If you’re not rock solid on this command, please stay on your leash.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: NEVER chase deer or other wildlife during hunting season! While running through the woods, you can get mistaken for game by hunters. In fact, NEVER chase the wildlife no matter what season you are hiking. Think of it this way. What if you were sitting in your living room and a deer suddenly came running through? You’d be pretty unnerved, right? Well that’s exactly how it is for the animals who live along these trails. One minute they are enjoying a quiet afternoon, and the next there’s some dog bursting in on their privacy. They may even be overly aggressive as they search for a new mate, or predatory as they fill their bellies for the long winter months ahead…and don’t forget paranoid because there are hunters out there trying to shoot them! Please show wildlife the respect they deserve by playing it cool.
It’s Not OK to be Friendly: Respect also applies to the humans and fellow dogs that you encounter on the trails. Oddly enough not all people on the trail are excited to meet you and want to be your new best friend, especially hunters. So when your human tells you to “come,” you COME! Hunters may be the biggest dog person outside of the woods, but they are on a mission, and they don’t want to be disturbed, or worse yet have their hiding spot revealed to the deer!
Sunday Fun Day: The day of the week you go hiking also matters. In Maine and Massachusetts, there is NO hunting on Sundays. But please be aware that hunting is ALLOWED on Sundays in New Hampshire! Despite it being illegal to hunt on Sundays in Maine and Massachusetts, still keep your guard up. Also if hiking on other days, avoid peak hunting times, usually at sunrise and sunset, when the deer and hunters are most active.
Hey, What’s that Over There: Always be aware of your surroundings. If you notice other vehicles in the parking lot, don’t assume they are on a leisurely hike. Another good indication that hunters are in the area are vehicles parked along the wooded road in random locations.
Ticked Off: Another safety reminder, even for trails where hunting is not allowed, is to make sure your humans give you a thorough tick check after your hike. Ticks are particularly active in the fall, because just like other animals they are preparing for the long winter ahead. This is another reason why we recommend wearing a blaze-orange vest instead of just a bandana. It makes ticks easier to spot, and helps to give dogs an extra layer of protection.
Leave No Trace: And just as a friendly reminder that applies all year long, please make sure your humans pick up after you. Now I know what you’re thinking, if a bear can poop in the woods, why can’t I? Remember how I said you’re intruding in their space? Well just like you wouldn’t like it if a bear pooped in your yard, they don’t like you pooping in theirs. Besides, without realizing it you may be introducing a disease that the wildlife isn’t immune to that could make them sick. Also some animals are highly sensitive to dog waste, and if they smell it will leave the area and not return. In fact, I can think of a few humans who have had that same reaction to poop. So make sure your humans pick it up! Not picking up pet waste is the leading reason why dogs get banned from places. So let’s work together to keep these trails dog friendly!
So in summary, wear blaze-orange, make your presence known, be aware of your surroundings, and most importantly give the hunters their space!
