November 5th, 2002, 08:15 AM
Deer hunting season starts this Saturday 11/9 and basically runs thru the second week in December. Opening weekend will normally find the largest concentration of hunters around and therefore is one of the most dangerous times to be in the woods. If you must ride I would suggest the following based on my years of experience:
1. Don't ride alone. Groups make more noise and are more visible. Don't forget your orange.
2. Hang some bells off your seat. Anything to make your presence known.
3. Don't ride near sunrise or sunset.
4. If there are vehicles parked at a trail head the chances are good that hunters are on that trail. Use another trail. Use trails that are located a distance from roads/trailheads. Most hunters don;t walk very far from their vehicle.
5. Do your Sunday rides next store in CT. They have no hunting on Sundays. Ride during the week and avoid weekends. Lot fewer hunters.
6. If you encounter a hunter please be courteous and say something positive (i.e. Good morning, etc.). Most of them are outside enjoying nature just like we are. They just choose to do it differently. Now is not the time to disuss your opinions on their sport.
7. Ride at night. While this is illegal in Arcadia that is an individual decision.
In the 13 plus years I have been riding in Arcadia there has never been an accident involving a hunter and a mt. biker (to my knowledge). I have met 100's of hunters and only had one bad "encounter". Be seen, be heard and be nice and chances are excellent that you will not have any problems. Enjoy.
Mike
1. Don't ride alone. Groups make more noise and are more visible. Don't forget your orange.
2. Hang some bells off your seat. Anything to make your presence known.
3. Don't ride near sunrise or sunset.
4. If there are vehicles parked at a trail head the chances are good that hunters are on that trail. Use another trail. Use trails that are located a distance from roads/trailheads. Most hunters don;t walk very far from their vehicle.
5. Do your Sunday rides next store in CT. They have no hunting on Sundays. Ride during the week and avoid weekends. Lot fewer hunters.
6. If you encounter a hunter please be courteous and say something positive (i.e. Good morning, etc.). Most of them are outside enjoying nature just like we are. They just choose to do it differently. Now is not the time to disuss your opinions on their sport.
7. Ride at night. While this is illegal in Arcadia that is an individual decision.
In the 13 plus years I have been riding in Arcadia there has never been an accident involving a hunter and a mt. biker (to my knowledge). I have met 100's of hunters and only had one bad "encounter". Be seen, be heard and be nice and chances are excellent that you will not have any problems. Enjoy.
Mike