Orange you glad you saw me? Hiking safely during hunting season.

Guest post by Gerry Gosselin
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Hunting season is upon us! As a non-hunter you can assume the primary hunting season for most game animals will run mid October until Jan 1. This is an important time of year for hikers and backpackers to be alert to their environment and dress safely.

No one wants to be accidentally fired upon while on a recreational hike. If you see a hunter, don’t be shy to make noise to alert him to your presence. Don’t wave your arms around, just yell out or use a whistle. Unfortunately you usually won’t be able to see a hunter before he sees you. State regulations vary, but the hunter is usually required to wear a certain amount of bright hunter orange clothing so as to be seen by other people (called hunter orange). When bird hunting only an orange cap is required. For deer hunting a vest is also required. Most game animals either don’t see in colors very well or don’t see hunter orange as a warning sign. There is an exception though, and that is wild turkey. Turkey season is particularly dangerous because turkeys see colors very well. A hunter is allowed to be dressed entirely in camo from head to toe during turkey season. Read more »

Enjoying the Trail with your Pooch – Hiking with your Dog

Max the Dog

Most trails in Massachusetts are dog friendly, but there are rules and common etiquette that must be followed.  Safety for you, your dog and others are number one. Read the sign at the trail head for any rules about the property you are hiking, many areas require dogs to be leashed, this is to protect the wildlife, your pet, and other hikers.  I think it is common courtesy to keep your dog leashed when hiking at even a slightly busy area. Not everyone likes dogs and not all dogs are friendly with other dogs these people and pets should be able to enjoy the trails too…

Prepping for a Safe Hike:

• Make sure your dog is up for the hike.  Not all dogs are built for a 12 mile day hike.
• Keep weather in mind.  Hot days are extra hard on dogs.
• Think about the wildlife in the area you will be hiking. Are there dangerous snakes? Maybe Bears or Mountain Lions.
• Learn about ticks and lyme disease.
• Bring plenty of fresh drinking water for your dog. Drinking out of streams or lakes has the risk of giardia and other bacteria that can cause disease.
• Your dog should wear an ID collar with not only your name and number but the vets name and number as well.
• During hunting season get an orange vest for your dog, they can be found at many hunting shops.

Hiking with a Dog Ediqutte:

• Always follow the rules at the trail head.
• Keep unleashed dogs within site and under strict voice command at all times. Strict voice command means the dog immediately heels when told, stays at heel, and refrains from barking.
• ALWAYS leash your dog when others are approaching. Not everyone likes dogs!
• Step to the side off the trail and allow others to pass.
• Keep dogs quite and from chasing wildlife.
• Clean up after your dog. Pack out the poop or bury it in a cathole.

Keeping everyone safe and happy on the trail is easy when you follow the rules.

You can find well made dog packs allowing your dog to carry water and food for itself.  Be sure not to exceed 1/3 of the pooches body weight in the pack.  You can also find all kinds of other outdoor products for your four legged friend like collapsible water bowls, booties, and even sun glasses.