Dog Safety in Hunting Season

Though autumn and winter provide beautiful landscapes for cold-weather hikes with your dog, it is important to remember that you might be sharing the wilderness with hunters. It is essential to properly prepare yourself and your dog for safe hikes throughout hunting season.

Learn the hiking laws in your area so you are familiar with what you may encounter on the trail. If possible, opt to hike with your dog in woods where hunting is illegal. Though this will greatly reduce your risk of an unsafe situation, it may not prevent it entirely. Hunters, like all people, will sometimes break the law and hunt where they are not supposed to.

Whenever you are outside of your yard, it is best to keep your dog on a leash. You never know when under ordinary circumstances you may encounter another animal that your dog wants to chase. However, it is especially important to leash your dog throughout hunting season. From afar, a hunter may mistake your dog for his game. Hunters may also set traps, so it is important to keep your dog on the trail and away from any potential hazards. If a hunter has shot an animal but has not yet picked it up, it may attract your dog. Keep him on a leash and stay on the trail together to avoid problems.

Invest in a brightly colored vest for your dog, and also don bright colors yourself. Though hardly stylish, neon orange and pink are sure to draw attention to the fact that you are not wild animals.

As you walk your dog through hunting season, whistle, hum or talk with a companion. Make your presence known so as to avoid any confusion. Lastly, do not be afraid, but be cautious and prepared. Hikes with your dog do not need to end with summer. Simply adapt your routines and routes to the changing seasons and share the woods responsibly with others.