From: shaffer@achilles.ctd.anl.gov (Michael A. Shaffer)
Subject: Re: Non-hunter safety in woods?
Organization: Argonne National Laboratory
Date: 1 Oct 92 08:38:35 CDT
Originator: hunting@osnome.che.wisc.edu

In article <1992Sep30.074727.10475@doug.cae.wisc.edu>, rewald@stsci.edu writes:
|> Hi Everyone!
|>    I have been "lurking" off and on for the last few months, and
|> really enjoy your stories of hunting in the woods.  However, I also
|> use the woods, and I have a few questions.
|>    I have a horse, and we compete in long-distance rides.  The main
|> way I have to condition my horse is by riding through the various
|> woods surrounding the farm where my horse lives.  I understand that
|> different kinds of equipment is scheduled in some kind of rotation:
|> bows, muzzle loaders, guns, etc.  I can hear when guns are fired, and
|> I avoid the woods then.  But what about bow- hunters?  I sorta think
|> they have to be close enough to the prey that they should be able to
|> tell me & my horse from a deer, but is this a safe assumption?

First if you go to a local Gun Shop or Sporting Goods Store you can
get I copy of the hunting regulations for your state (should be free).
It will have a list of all of the seasons. Also consider getting a
blaze orange jacket and hat to wear durring hunting season. You could
even get an orange blanket for the horse I suppose.

|>     What about the gun hunters I *don't* hear?  (am I being paraniod?)

I don't think you are paranoid. Hunting accidents are rare but it can
really ruin your whole day if it happens to you.

|> I'm sure there are hunters at least some of the time in the woods
|> where I ride - I can see their stands and steps nailed onto the trees.
|> Occasionally, I will meet a hunter along the road, or just outside the
|> woods, and he'll say "yup, I'm so quiet, you passed only 50 feet from
|> me and you didn't even know it!"
|>     When are the hunting seasons in Maryland?  Is it true that no
|> hunting is allowed on Sunday (seems like a weird thing, but that's
|> what I've heard).

I doubt the Sunday bit. Check the regs.

|> 
|>     I have reflective stickers (for bicycling) on my white helmet, and
|> I usually wear a bright orange safety vest with a reflective diagonal.
|> I often have to ride at twilight - the days are getting so short!
|> Most horses see much better in the dark than people do, so I feel safe
|> on that count, but are the hunters out then?  Will they be able to

Most seasons do not allow night hunting (night not twilight) but some
such as coon season do allow night hunts. And of course there is the issue
of poachers. Maybe carrying a lantern or other light source might help.
Most game do not walk around with flash lights.

|> tell I am not game?  Sometimes I also tie a bell onto my equipment -
|> will this mess up the hunting for you?  I'm just trying to identify

It might even help us if you end up driving the game toward us. ;-)

|> myself as non-game.  Is there some particular kind of weather or time
|> of day when no-one hunts?

Not that I know of. Some hunters have found that hunting in conditions
that drive other hunters indoors can be profitable.

|>     Is there anything else I can do (or not do) to be safe?  My dad
|> hunts, (in Indiana) and I love venision, so I'm more than willing to
|> share the woods!

Fantastic attitude! How bout it folks any other ideas.

|> 
|> Thanks for any advice or information!
|>                Rosalie Ewald
|> 
|> 

				mike