Below are some tips on staying safe when you're out on the hiking trails during hunting season:
Make yourself more visible. Choose colors that stand out, like red, orange or green, and avoid blacks, browns, earth-toned greens and animal-colored clothing. You can purchase safety-orange backpack covers and vests here.
Make noise.
Whistle, sing or carry on a conversation as you walk to alert hunters to your presence. Sound carries well across mountain basins, and hunters should be listening for any sounds of animal movement.
If you do hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters know that you are in the vicinity.
If hunting makes you uneasy, choose a hike in a location where hunting is not allowed, such as a national park or a state park.
Of course all of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park hunting is prohibited but the park is surrounded by private lands which hunting maybe allowed.
Wear bright clothing.
Make yourself more visible. Choose colors that stand out, like red, orange or green, and avoid blacks, browns, earth-toned greens and animal-colored clothing. You can purchase safety-orange backpack covers and vests here.Whistle, sing or carry on a conversation as you walk to alert hunters to your presence. Sound carries well across mountain basins, and hunters should be listening for any sounds of animal movement.
Make yourself known.
If you do hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters know that you are in the vicinity.
Know when hunting seasons are.
Continue to hike, but learn about where and when hunting is taking place. Bear season begins in August, followed by grouse, deer and several other species in September. October is the high point of hunting season.
Know your own comfort level.
Know your own comfort level.
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