Trail riding safely during Deer hunting season

[La Gringa]

I know the blaze orange is a must when riding in areas that are hunted, but what other things can one do to stay safe? I board next to a heavily wooded area with wonderful trails, that are also full of Deer Hunters. I think my trail riding will be on Sundays for awhile, right now they are crazy!

What scares me too is they drink and shoot. I ride a big shire, I would be surprised if they mistook us for a deer, but I know that any movement can sometimes trigger a shot.

Any suggestions about this greatly appreciated.

[Bandit.]

Noise is one of the best things. A large bell on your horse or a portable radio or loud talk. Don't assume that Sundays are safe days. We have Sunday hunts in this area and poachers don't worry about what day they hunt.
We had a bow hunter mold out of the bush and scared the life out of the horses. He came out with it drawn and looked like he was out of the movie Deliverance. He was very rude with us. We had bright colours, dogs, paint horses, and my friend is a non stop talker. I whistle while I ride. So we didn't surprise him. But I know we flush out a ton of deer.

[Equibrit]

You would be better off finding a State/National Park that has more restricted hunting allowed. We have Wildlife Management areas in Georgia where you can ride hunterless during the season. There's nothing like noise to really PISS OFF a hunter. Put yourself in their position. You have waited all year for these two (varies) months to go hunting. You got up really early in the freezing cold and have sat waiting for hours for a target. Along comes this bunch of noisey gits on horses and puts your whole effort to waste. I'd be really pissed off too. There are other places for you to ride temporarily and keep the peace, why not check them out? (Safer too)
http://www.state.va.us/dcr/parks/sptrails.htm

[Prieta]

What if you don't have access to those safe parks? But, you'd like to go trail riding on your own property where deer hunters have no respect for boundaries. I think I have the right to make noises and tell them to get the hell out of my property.

[carp]

Deer tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, and they tend to settle down for naps in the afternoon. I think you are least likely to come in conflict with competent hunters if you confine your trail rides to early afternoon.

[JumpingPaints]

Prieta - We have this problem as well, because our pasture/trail/riding ring all border state forest. We have posted bright orange laminated signs every 20 feet or so on trees as you approach our place from the forest that alternate between "Caution Horses Ahead!" and "No Hunting or Tresspassing." (Not that it has prevented the occasional hunter from chasing deer all the way to the pasture fence).

Horses are turned out with orange blankets from Horsehealthusa.com, and we ride with ugly orange halters from ebay over the bridle and human orange vests. I would love to find an orange quarter sheet to ride with!

[Cashela]

JP, you can get orange quarter sheets at protect-a-vest.

I just have to say that I can't stand it when all hunters get lumped together as, the guys in the woods with the guns slinging back beers all day. There are some very responsible hunters out there. I know because my dad is one of them. We've had the woods all year, it's time to share it. Put some bells on your horse, wear your hunter orange, stay on the main trails, if you have to ride in an area where there are hunters. We rode in RI recently and we bumped into the nicest people out hunting. I made sure to say hello and be friendly to them and I think they appreciated that.

[War Admiral]

I despooked Avery to sleigh bells for carriage driving purposes. We break 'em out when hunting season starts. Trust me, they make a LOAD of noise and while annoying, will scare off any deer within a good half a mile! :winkgrin:

[La Gringa]

What if you don't have access to those safe parks? But, you'd like to go trail riding on your own property where deer hunters have no respect for boundaries. I think I have the right to make noises and tell them to get the hell out of my property.

I board at the farm that I do becasue of the access to trails. The farm itself is 300 acres, (which is occasionaly hunted in some of the back fields as well) and is next to 2000 acres of open land, all trails. The BO did say though that there are lots of hunters, and that a Hunting club uses part of that forest, so I can't exactly tell them to get off of the land. I have to go out when they are less likely to be around I guess.

Early afternoons I do think are best as well. They seem to not be as actively shooting during that time. It's scary, but hunters have to share the trails as well. They don't OWN the land they are hunting afterall, it's shared use. They need to be respectful as well. The thing is though, they have guns... and are often drinking which impares their judgement. That is what I am most afraid of.

[dm]

Once deer hunting season is in full swing, I just stay out of the woods. I just don't think it's worth taking a chance on getting shot or catching a stray bullet/arrow. It's just a few weeks out of the year, and here in NY, the winter weather is moving in around the same time, so I don't find it's that big of a deal just to refrain from trail riding during that time. Even if the hunters aren't right on top of where I'm riding, I hear gun shots going off all the time, even at my house. It's a little too close to comfort for me. I figure I can stay out of the woods for a short period of time and let them have their fun. I get to use it the rest of the year.

[Bandit.]

I have no sympathy for hunters. The methods used leave very little chance for the deer. Bait, radios, scent, etc. We ride during the late morning early afternoon. On Our farm and neighbours with their permission. These hunters have this greedy attitude that they have land rights even though a lot don't own land. Not all hunters have this attitude but a great many do and I don't have much respect for anyone that feels a hunting license is a reason to take over the countryside in the fall.

[DairyQueen2049]

I have to agree, for the most part, most deer hunters are cautious and aware of what they are shooting at. Exp. bow hunters. So during bow season I ride with a bell, in an orange reflective vest. :yes:

during gun season I stay close to home, OUT of the woods, and wear the same as above but I add orange and pink finger paint to my horse. I've also put glo-rings on her. You know -those things at fairs and carnivals you snap them and they light up - and make her very visible. :yes:

This year at our new temporary home I am VERY concerned - but I've been hallooooing the neighbors and so far so good. They have all noticed my mare. So I'm hoping we'll be fine.

Going in grooups is a good idea.

When I boarded at a busy farm we held Fun Days the 1st w/e of deer season to keep us all inside those days. We had fun classes: dress the goat, ride a buck, Simon Sez, a costume class. It was wonderful fun. We ended wth an indoor trail class and kept the stuff up the next 2 weeks giving us all something to do indoors. We had a pot luck lunch that continued through dinner - everyone always brought too much.

[dawglover]

Deer Season is only a few weeks a year. Around here the hunters pay BIG MONEY to lease land for hunting, and are very respectful of my property boundaries. While I have permission to ride all the hunt club leased land around me, during the 6 weeks of deer season, I limit my riding on that land to Sundays.
We have soooooo many deer in this county that we actually need more hunters!

[county]

I see many more rude horse back riders then hunters I've yet to have a problem with hunters on my land but horse back riders is a much differant story. Throwing beer and pop bottles on the trails, leaving gates open, acting like they have a right to ride where they please. I've gotten to the point I chase them all off regardless if they ask or not. I can honestly say I've never once had a hunter on my land that didn't ask first.

[J Swan]

I'm getting a bit tired of the deliverance/redneck/drunk hunter sterotypes - horse owners are the worst accusers - yet are the most egregious abusers of landowner generosity than any other group of people I can think of.

Hunters are the ones fighting to keep, maintain and create parks, first of all. Second, most hunters are responsible. You are more likely to be hit by a speeding motorist out trail riding than hit with a bullet.

By all means, wear blaze orange during hunting season. You should; it's basic safety. I used to tie a bell to my saddle so I'd jingle a bit as I rode. But it's really not necessary - blaze orange is fine. Horses and riders can be heard a mile away.

We foxhunt in areas being hunted by deer hunters all the time. I have NEVER felt in danger at all. We go past blinds, tree stands - and not once (including the land you mention in your post) have I ever seen any irresponsibile activity. As a matter of fact, I have had the most wonderful conversations with fellow hunters.

We're not antagonists - I see no reason to treat any sportsman like dirt just because you want to use the land he/she is hunting on.

[dm]

I also see that there may be an overpopulation of deer if the hunters aren't out there. I'd rather have deer shot and killed than have them starve during the winter because there just isn't enough food to go around.

Where I live, there are also deer hunters that rely on their catch to provide their families with food. Other hunters donate their deer to charities to be used as food for needy families.

So, I look at the hunters as a good thing, as long as they are the intelligent, experienced kind. Fortunately, we have mostly that type. So, I stay out of their way and let them do their thing for a few weeks.

[Cashela]

Thank you J Swan...

[patti]

... Put my endurance horse in his brand new fire engine red fleece rump rug and stuck to our dirt road, but rode I did. If it were mid-day, I'd simply ride on the trails I have permission to ride on.

In our neck of the woods, WNY, if we stayed out of the parks for the entire deer season (bow and gun) we'd lose at least eight, or is it ten?, weeks of riding. And hunting is allowed on Sundays here as well. I'm conditioning for a multi-day endurance ride in early January and can't just quit riding for the duration of hunting season.

My husband and I own 130 acres in a very rural area, and we've had MAJOR issues with poaching and trespassing and I will not go into that here. We have two great guys and one BIL who hunt our property and with that privilege comes the responsibility of helping to police it. (One hunter being a state trooper certainly helps. Word gets around.)

But since we also work our CAJONES off on maintaining trails at our closest state park, I'll put on my bright colors during hunting season and I will ride.

I feel safe, but hell, if I have to go, what better way to go than riding?!

[La Gringa]

I don't have a problem with the hunters that hunt the land, and are respectful. I only have problems with poachers and those that drink excessively while deer hunting. (A beer or two isn't what I am talking about, a lot do drink more than their share out there) My post is about general safety tips, for areas that are hunted. I agree we need to have the deer hunted, there are too many, and if the winter is harsh this year they will just starve.

I just don't want to get shot!

[carp]

One of my friends grew up near an old mountain man who prevented trespassing hunters in a very simple way. Every day he took his muzzle loader, filled it with as much powder as it could handle, and fired it. You could hear the blast for over a mile if the wind was blowing right. The daily ritual had two effects: 1) Pretty much cleared any deer off his land, making it pointless to hunt there 2) Convinced everyone that the old codger was totally off his rocker and best left alone.

[KCFoxy]

I despooked Avery to sleigh bells for carriage driving purposes. We break 'em out when hunting season starts. Trust me, they make a LOAD of noise and while annoying, will scare off any deer within a good half a mile! :winkgrin:

I went to JoAnne Fabric (Michael's, AC Moore, etc) and bought large bells and leather stringing material. Then I went to Walmart (or other type store) and bought a cheap leather belt. Cut the belt to maintain 3 holes and then string the bells on....GREAT jingle bells (also works as "rhythmn beads")

[Huntertwo]

Unfortunately here in CT. a lot of the State Parks allow hunting. (Lots of revenue) Gosh, we start Bow season, I believe in Sept. and it doesn't end until January. Thats a long time to stay away from what I love.

Sunday is prohibited, but unfortunately every year you read about the innocent person who gets shot and killed by a poacher...grrr

Rifle for Deer starts next week, then I usually don't go out. And what really is sucky for me is that I am moving to a new barn on Monday with almost 15,000 acres of State Forest that start right behind the barn.

Good news is the Equine Affaire starts this Thurs. so I'll be loading up on orange....

[Huntertwo]

I don't have much respect for anyone that feels a hunting license is a reason to take over the countryside in the fall.


:yes: :yes: The reason I agree with this is simple and it doesn't regard poachers. But when a hunter shoots blindly and ends up killing a human, it is just regarded as an accident and these guys/gals are never charged. Nothing, NADA - not even involuntary manslaughter.

I read the newspaper in disbelief, that charges are not filed.

[J Swan]

Really? I have no sympathy for trail riders. The methods they use, bells, loud voices, smoking, leave very little chance for me to kill a deer - and they often terrorize animals with the noise they make and cause injuries and stress to wildlife. I hunt during the best time of day to kill my prey safely and humanely. And I hunt on my farm and my neighbors with their permission. You riders have this greedy attitude that you have land rights even though you don't own the land. Not all riders have this attitude but a great many do and I don't have have any respect for anyone that feels their love of trail riding is a reason to take over the countryside in the fall.

Thousands upon thousands of people hunt with dogs, bow, muzzle loader and rifle. They hunt safely and humanely, and their efforts and advocacy created all those parks to begin with - and providing the funding to ensure those parks are managed to be benefit of all citizens - not just hunters.

Go out there and trail ride. Put blaze orange on during hunting season just like everyone else out there. If you encounter or witness violations such as poaching - call the game warden and report it. But lay off the insipid comments about a subject you know NOTHING about.

I have no sympathy for hunters. The methods used leave very little chance for the deer. Bait, radios, scent, etc. We ride during the late morning early afternoon. On Our farm and neighbours with their permission. These hunters have this greedy attitude that they have land rights even though a lot don't own land. Not all hunters have this attitude but a great many do and I don't have much respect for anyone that feels a hunting license is a reason to take over the countryside in the fall.

[pintopiaffe]

Slight apologies for straying more off tangent... but...
I cannot believe the (more than one!) people posting about drinking & hunting. What kind of laws does your state have?

Up here, ALL fish & wildlife violations are FELONY. Period. And the wardens are OUT 24/7 this time of year. You loose your guns and you right to hunt if you're doing something as insipid as drinking.

Not to mention that you drink (especially beer) you have to pee. You pee, the deer smell it. No venison for you. Even rookies know that. Now, hunting camp at NIGHT is a different story.

I am far, far less worried about being shot, than about a shot spooking my horse (who jumps far less than I at it, truth be told) or a hunter walking out of a place where normally we don't see people and scaring him.

As a 9-1-1 dispatcher, we have far, FAR too many bad and fatal car vs. deer accidents for me to NOT be a hunting advocate. They are beautiful, I am sad for them, but they are the cockroaches of the road up here, and people DIE weekly. I've had one deer go BETWEEN my truck and trailer while my precious cargo was IN the trailer. It was horrifiying, luckily the horse wasn't injuried.

I also think the tune of some folks might be different if you had winters where game (venison, pheasant, quail etc) was about the only meat on your plates. I would FAR rather have a conscientious hunter kill my meat than the current state of slaughterhouses.

It's not very different than ANY other thing you do in riding. If it's not safe, DON'T DO IT.

[MissBri]

JSwan, are any bright colors ok?
Although I do have bells on my saddle they are only loud when we're trotting. I always ride alone, 99% on private land (with permission). I was made aware that there will be a couple of bow hunters this season on the property and the neighboring farmer will also be bow hunting - I want to be considerate of the hunter's rights, but also want to be safe.
Even with the bells I have still 'surprised' a few deer - I think my mare shuffling the leaves makes more noise.

[redponyrider]

I'm conflicted about this-- certainly we need as many deer killed as possible, and certainly we need to share the land, but really, there is hunting going on here from september thru mid-february. So simply staying off of the trails seems unfair.
The bow-hunters always seem competent and polite. The deer rifle hunters are scary beyond belief-- drunk and will shoot anything that moves. So we stay home during those two weeks. I used to think the bird and small game hunters were fine to ride near, but after having a few deliberate shots fired off over my head while riding I've changed my mind.

[J Swan]

MissBri - when I trail ride and I can't find my old road guard vest from my Army days -I just wear my lumberjack coat. Red and black checkers. Any bright color - lime green, blaze orange, red - just stand out from the background. If both hunters and riders have access to the property, just make sure the hunters are aware horses are in the vicinity.

For my goats (they look like deer), I place a big x on them with livestock markers - made out of wax.

I let hunters on my farm - and I tell you what - you could not ask for better "eyes and ears". They let me know if I've got a tree about to fall on a fence, they let me know who has been cruising by, if any strangers have been seen, they are good neighbors. If anyone was trespassing or poaching - they'd be sure to contact the game warden. They've never left a gate open or shot into any pasture in which livestock are kept.

I remember one day foxhunting last year that was kind of odd - came across a Mennonite farmer in blaze orange - surprised the horses. Ten strides later there are deer hunters in blaze orange sitting on top round bales. Surprised the horses. Then we hear a crash and a whip gallops towards it screaming - sir - are you hurt? Turns out it was turkeys dropping out of trees but we thought a deer stand had collapsed and sent the hunter into the ground. A few minutes later - we hear gunshots - as we're hunting our fox the deer hunters got several kills. I never felt in danger at all. The only time I've been scared is crossing a road and cars either don't slow down, or speed up, beep the horn - or once, try and swerve into me.


There are always unethical hunters and fishermen... they should not be tolerated. For those unfamiliar with or uncomfortable around firearms - encountering a hunter with a rifle can be a trifle unnerving, I'm sure. But don't condemn all hunters, and don't be afraid to trail ride. Just take the same safety precautions that everyone else does (except Dick Cheney, apparantly). And most certainly - report ANY violations to law enforcement!

[Huntertwo]

I always wondered why Orange was the color of choice, since the fall foliage is often the same color and you seem to blend in. :confused: Just an observation.

[carp]

I always wondered why Orange was the color of choice, since the fall foliage is often the same color and you seem to blend in. :confused: Just an observation.

Yeah, but you could make the same argument about red, yellow, and neon green too. Bright blue wouldn't work because it washes out at a distance on hazy days. Purples wash out too. I doubt you are going to convince many males to wear hot pink.

[Huntertwo]

Yeah, but you could make the same argument about red, yellow, and neon green too. Bright blue wouldn't work because it washes out at a distance on hazy days. Purples wash out too. I doubt you are going to convince many males to wear hot pink.

LOL... and hot pink was the color I thought would really stand out. :lol:

I wonder where I could get a hot pink vest.

Thanks for the info. on the other colors. I didn't realize that.

[pintopiaffe]

I *think* that the colours animals see... orange falls in the same category as black, grey and brown, no?

I thought it had something to do with being highly visible to humans, but not so much to critters. I might just be making that up. Too many nights spent swapping stories with troopers, wardens and forest rangers. :p

[redponyrider]

most mammals can't distinguish between red and green colors. I know I can easily spot a bright red-orange fox standing motionless against green grass, but my dogs can't unless the fox moves. I suppose same for deer-- bright orange hunter looks green to the deer.

[Light Catcher 2]

My dad (an avid hunter himself) always cautioned me to stay out of the woods (whether hiking, riding or whatever) during the week between Christmas and New Year's. He felt that there were lots of folks who got guns for Christmas who hadn't yet learned how to hunt safely.

[Casper W. W.]

Unfortunately, my friends from North Caorlina sent me the link and I can't remember where I wrote it. There is a company that makes day-glo orange halters, bridles, breast plates, sheets/airy and otherwise, riders vests, horse vest and butt covers for trail. I would also hang (get your horse used to it first) sleight bells (you can get really great ones from the Amish in PA) on your saddle and horse's breast collar. You jingle so much that the deer, game run away and hunters can hear you coming. Unless someone has been "sipping"...........................

[citydog]

I would FAR rather have a conscientious hunter kill my meat than the current state of slaughterhouses.



Amen!

[Cashela]

Google Protect-a-vest. They sell orange horse gear

[3fatponies]

I used to think like a lot of people on this thread: that all hunters were rabid killers who shot at anything that moved. Even though I was even sport shooting at the time (targets at a gun club), I didn't equate the super-careful, courteous shooters I knew from the club with hunters (though most of them DO hunt).

Then I moved into a neighborhood where hunting is popular, and married a hunter. Since then, I have been out hunting and it's not what I thought. At all. Despite the non-hunting belief that it's easy, it's not. Try spending 6-8 hours a day in a tree, barely moving, while you see nothing but squirrels or deer you do not take because the kill would not be humane.

Despite the non-hunting belief that everyone in the woods with a gun at that time of year is reckless, they're not. Imagine riding recklessly and being legally prohibited from riding at all in response--still think you are going to do it? No? Well, that's how hunters feel about possibly losing their licenses. Not to mention that hunters and shooters are generally more careful with guns than you know--try shooting once, and you will never take firearms lightly again.

I am completely disgusted with the riders who begrudge sportsmen the right to hunt in-season because it interferes with their riding. Do you understand that without the revenue and political action from sportmen, you might not HAVE a place to ride?? Apparently not.

Here are some facts to consider before you decide that hunting shouldn't be allowed where you want to ride:
Here are the numbers, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and other public sources:
** $746 million -- Annual amount of money spent by hunters in the United States on licenses and public land access fees alone. Sportsmen's licensing revenues account for more than half of all funding for state natural resource agencies
** $300 million -- Additional monies contributed to wildlife conservation every year by the more than 10,000 private hunting-advocate organizations, like the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
** $4.2 billion -- Amount of money sportsmen have contributed to conservation through a 10% federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and gear since the 1937 Pittman-Robertson Act established the tax. Millions of acres of public-use land has been purchased, preserved, and maintained with this money.

You planning on making up the $ difference after hunting is banned to keep open space and maintain parkland?? No?? I thought not. Next time, before you demonize hunters, try to meet some first. You might be surprised at the deep love they have for nature, and while you might not understand, hunting is an integral part of that. Just like most people misjudge what motivates horse people, so we misjudge hunters.

Smart riders make them allies, not enemies. :winkgrin:

[pAin't_Misbehavin']

I am completely disgusted with the riders who begrudge sportsmen the right to hunt in-season because it interferes with their riding. Do you understand that without the revenue and political action from sportmen, you might not HAVE a place to ride?? Apparently not.

Smart riders make them allies, not enemies. :winkgrin:

I get what you're saying - the scuba divers and fisherman around here are actually on good terms, contrary to the way it is in many areas - and it's been beneficial to both groups since they both have an interest in preserving the same area.

Unfortunately, the methods used by the deer hunters near me just make them unsafe to have around dogs, small children, and horses.:no: They use packs of hounds wearing radio collars, followed by a convoy of trucks driving way too fast for conditions. So if you stick to the trails in the woods, you have to deal with panicked deer/pursuing hounds (who can also tear hell out of your pasture fencing), but if you get out on the dirt roads you get run over by the vehicles. The guns, actually, are the least dangerous thing about these guys.:lol:

And the season here starts Sept 1 and goes through Jan 1. Pretty much from the time it ceases being murderously hot until the winter rains set in.

So I'd like to support my local hunters. Heck, I wouldn't even mind having bowhunters on my land. But the dogs and the vehicles tear up fences, spook stock, and run over any mammal in their path, so I just can't allow the gun-toters anywhere on the farm. Hence the miles of "No Hunting" signs I post in late August every year.

[3fatponies]

pAin'tMisbehavin',

No argument on banning irresponsible hunters--I think that is definately the right move. What I object to are people who base their opinions about hunting and hunters on urban legends and "someone told me." Around me, we are inundated with citidiots who go ballistic about hunting rights (while complaining that the deer eat their shrubs and dent their Hummers), but have no idea what they are talking about. That I do object to. If you can fashion an argument that is based on fact and acknowledges the issue of needed revenue, I am more than happy to listen. Heck, I might even agree on your points. But to just dismiss it because you find it "unfair" or "cruel" is plain ignorance in action.

However, I do agree that on your own property, you have the absolute right to allow hunting or not as you choose, and you need not explain yourself to anyone. But on public land, I just don't think it's smart or fair to ban hunting. :)

[J Swan]

Wanted to make a comment about the dogs (I don't know exactly what's going on in your case but I just wanted to make a general comment).

Many hunters use radio collars on their dogs. It has nothing to do with unethical or irresponsible hunting - but being able to locate your hunting dog if it gets lost/runs off, etc.

Many people do not use them because of the cost and the significant danger to the dog (getting hung up in wire and being injured or killed). A good hunting dog is an extremely valuable animal - and hunters don't want them getting lost or "rescued" by well meaning but ignorant people. But like I said - they can be so dangerous that many hunters don't use them.

Some PETA employees just got arrested for "rescuing" hunting dogs in Virginia. Unfortunately - what they were doing was stealing hunting dogs out hunting, tearing their collars off - and driving away with them. The dogs have not been located - though several collars were found on the road where the employees picked up the dogs.

But getting back to hunting - one of the problems with dogs is that they can't read. So if they are on a run, or flushing game - they wander onto posted property. This is a real problem for hunters. Check your state law, but in Virginia a hunter may LEGALLY trespass onto posted land to retrieve his hunting dog - but he may not come onto your property armed. Just FYI in case you look out your window and see a hunter on your land calling for Fluffy.

If a hunting dog has damaged property - the hunter should pay for it. If his/her hunting dog chases your livestock - shoot the dog or contain it and called Animal Control. You're perfectly within your right to do so - and any hunter worth his salt knows darn well that his dog shouldn't be chasing livestock.

The information I've given pertains to all types of hunting dogs - retrievers, scent hounds, sight hounds, and whether hunting is done on foot or mounted.

If you get to know hunters - you'll generally find them to be real nature lovers - but nature lovers that interact and participate in the natural world more directly than the rest of us.

Oh - my neighbor came by yesterday to hunt deer (muzzleloader). He was right next to the pasture shooting. Horses and goats never even moved once they realized he did not have any peppermints for them.

[pintopiaffe]

that just s*cks.

Up here, a dog chasing a deer is a felony.

Did I mention ALL fish and game violations are felony? It's kind of funny when you get a warrant for failure to appear or unpaid fines, for not having a water skiing spotter, and it's Class C. :lol:

At any rate, I don't think I could live in a place where hunting was done like that.

Bird dogs are an art and AMAZING. And while I still can't shoot the birds, I love the training and the skill and the instinct.

But... I just don't get hunting deer with dogs and trucks. :no:

I probably wouldn't have the view I have of hunting/hunters if I lived in a place like that. :(

[Lori B]

Whether one personally likes hunting or not, hunters are critical land conservation allies, and if we want the US to NOT be one large Walmart parking lot, horse people and other nature lovers have to make friends and allies of them. HAVE TO.

JSwan, you sound like a completely responsible and ethical hunter. But when I lived in Wisconsin, the papers were full every fall of incidents where gun hunters in deer season shot livestock, dogs, and each other, in incidents that frequently involve alcohol. These weren't all urban legends or ignorant rumor mongering, it was stuff in the news.

The problem for even the most wellmeaning trail rider is that the cost of guessing wrong about sufficient trail safety is very high, and the overlap period of time is not trivial in many areas. I would love to think that wearing bright colors is sufficient, but I would be afraid of being wrong.

[dawglover]

Here in swampy, rural southeastern VA, if you didn't have a pack of hounds to help you, you wouldn't kill nearly as many deer.
The hounds can go places a "still hunter" can't go and drive the deer towards the hunters in numbered stands.
The hunt clubs around me put you at your number (You draw the numbers out of a hat) and you STAY there until the "Drive" is over. If a deer runs by you, you get your shot, if not, too bad, hopefully you'll be in a better spot next time. No wandering through the underbrush shooting at things you hear rather than see. That gets you uninvited to the next hunt.
Yes, there are people that break the rules everywhere, nothing we can do about that but be vigilant and report violations. I have horses, I trail ride and foxhunt, but I respect my landowners, and the hunt clubs and I find other places to ride during deer season. There are places around here that do not allow hunting.
I also score points with the hunters by calling them when their hounds stop by here for a visit. I've got my own kennels and lost hounds often drop by during hunting season. The hound owners often reward me with a nice hunk of venison.

For those of you that MUST ride where there may be deerhunters, stay in the open as much as you can, wear your bright colors, and be polite.

[ArabianDreams]

Noise is one of the best things. A large bell on your horse or a portable radio or loud talk. Don't assume that Sundays are safe days. We have Sunday hunts in this area and poachers don't worry about what day they hunt.
We had a bow hunter mold out of the bush and scared the life out of the horses. He came out with it drawn and looked like he was out of the movie Deliverance. He was very rude with us. We had bright colours, dogs, paint horses, and my friend is a non stop talker. I whistle while I ride. So we didn't surprise him. But I know we flush out a ton of deer.

Bells are great, just attach a row of them to your cantle and ride on.

[pAin't_Misbehavin']

Many hunters use radio collars on their dogs. It has nothing to do with unethical or irresponsible hunting - but being able to locate your hunting dog if it gets lost/runs off, etc.

So would it be considered unethical hunting to use the radio collars for the purpose of finding the deer once the hounds are on it? Not trying to pick a fight, just wondering.

This is how the collars are used here. The hounds begin pursuing a deer, the man with the receiver follows the signal in his truck, and radios the position to other hunters in other trucks parked along other back roads. All the trucks race along following the directions of the man with the receiver. Sometimes the deer runs across a road and the man making visual contact will radio that information to the rest. Finally someone gets close enough to shoot the deer.

[J Swan]

You know - I consider that unethical. However, I am not the morality police - because if I was there would be no need for us to have this conversation. If I were you I'd sit down with the local game warden and go over what is legal or not legal, and also find out what ethical hunters do with their hunting dogs. If there is a gap in regulation, then that should be resolved. Unfortunately, often the malefactors go unpunished because the warden doesn't witness it, or there isn't proof, etc. I don't oppose flushing or driving game; I would have a problem with the safety issues and laziness factor. Lazy hunters are sloppy hunters. Sloppy hunters are unsafe.

I agree that for an equestrian, the price of a hunter being unethical or incompetent could be high. But the same goes for a person driving too fast, litterbugs leaving broken glass alongside the roads, etc. And I do believe (having seen it) that there are some folks that really should take up wildlife photography instead of a rifle. And join AA or something, too. I just don't want y'all thinking that every person out there in a deer stand is yucking it up and picking off horses.

As far as dogs - here in Virginia we had a bit of a problem with unethical hunting - but the attempt at fixing it would have accidentaly outlawed foxhunting - as well as any other type of hunting with dogs.

It's similar to what you described, except in this case unethical hunters intentionally release their hunting dogs onto posted land. Then they wait until the deer come out on land that isn't posted. The humans never trespass.

Illegal? No. Unethical? Yes - it does violate the intent of the landowner - posting their property. And folks are pi**ed - and rightly so.

But...... it is not illegal for a hunting dog to trespass (they can't read, remember?)

So the unethical hunters are violating the spirit of the game laws and regs.... and instead of trying to stop that, someone tried to pass a law that would have accidentaly made hunting with dogs illegal. (what needed to happen was a tweak in a regulation - but politicians never think of that)

So the sportsmen and ethical hunters make a stink. Landowners make a stink. The foxhunters and horse owners are made out to be snobs. Words like redneck, snob, rich people, hicks - all those words are bandied about. Lordy was there a lot of ill will.....

I just dislike that so much - when we categorize people like that it just feeds the animosity, creates grudges and ill will - and doesn't solve any problems.

And worst of all - equestrians ALWAYS lose. Even if the battle is won - everyone always thinks we're rich people trying to have our way. This happens when we advocate for trails, equestrian facilities in parks - we always just come off as being rich bitc*es.

Just like when folks think of hunters they get picture of a redneck chewing tobacco and picking off squirrels, or we think of a TWH and we automatically wonder if the owner sores....you know.... sterotypes.

[Huntertwo]

So would it be considered unethical hunting to use the radio collars for the purpose of finding the deer once the hounds are on it? Not trying to pick a fight, just wondering.

This is how the collars are used here. The hounds begin pursuing a deer, the man with the receiver follows the signal in his truck, and radios the position to other hunters in other trucks parked along other back roads. All the trucks race along following the directions of the man with the receiver. Sometimes the deer runs across a road and the man making visual contact will radio that information to the rest. Finally someone gets close enough to shoot the deer.

Thats real #hitty and unfair... A sport using dogs with radio collars to hone in on deer? :no: :no:

Glad I bought a orange collar with 7 loud bells on them. Would hate to run into yahoos like you mentioned. :mad:

[LostFarmer]

JSwan,
You are just being too logical! Stop trying to reason with folks that can only see to the end of their nose.

Hunters and sportsmen and women are the leading group that helps take care of the back country in this area. The second group would be ranchers.

When I lived in town, I talked to a local rancher. I never knew him before. I called introduced myself and asked permission to ride on a corner of one of his pastures. It allowed me direct access to the forest with a 2 mile jaunt instead of a 20 minute trailer ride. He was hesitant so I thanked him for his time and stayed off. About 3 months later I was on the forest and noticed a lame calf. I called him and gave him the number and location where I had seen the calf. He gave me a key to all his gates the next evening.

When riding during hunting season and you see a hunter, chat with them a second and tell them where you last saw sign of game. It will go a long ways to building bridges.

LF

[Light Catcher 2]

I just moved to a farm where some of the pastures back up to public land where hunting is allowed. I went down to Walmart and bought a couple of rolls of orange duct tape. I used it to put stripes on my mare's turnouts. Now she really stands out in the pasture.

I also use it (in addition to other orange riding gear) when I go out on the trails--I stick a couple of pieces anywhere I think I'm lacking some visibility. I look silly, but what the heck?

[J Swan]

Yeah, I think you're right. I guess folks can feel superior only if they denigrate and vilify things they don't understand.

Keeping safe during hunting season only means observing some basic rules and being a good citizen. That goes for hunters, fishermen, hikers and equestrians. Nothing more need be read into it.

The attitudes espoused in some of these posts demonstrate why equestrians are so often thought of as selfish, self centered and "rich bit**es". Try working on trails issues on public land and see how far that attitude gets you.



JSwan,
You are just being too logical! Stop trying to reason with folks that can only see to the end of their nose.

Hunters and sportsmen and women are the leading group that helps take care of the back country in this area. The second group would be ranchers.

When I lived in town, I talked to a local rancher. I never knew him before. I called introduced myself and asked permission to ride on a corner of one of his pastures. It allowed me direct access to the forest with a 2 mile jaunt instead of a 20 minute trailer ride. He was hesitant so I thanked him for his time and stayed off. About 3 months later I was on the forest and noticed a lame calf. I called him and gave him the number and location where I had seen the calf. He gave me a key to all his gates the next evening.

When riding during hunting season and you see a hunter, chat with them a second and tell them where you last saw sign of game. It will go a long ways to building bridges.

LF

[Prieta]

JSwan, we need many logical people speaking up on BB! I agree that many members have difficulties seeing things logically. Still, relentless pounding of logics might help do wonders.

I posted earlier that I get pissed at hunters trespassing on my property - it is simply because they'd leave their mess behind like cans of beers lying around. I get to clean it up. Once they shot a deer who then went through to make a terrible mess on the fence that bordered my property from the other. Thankfully, coyotes cleaned it up for us.

[WildBlue]

The hounds begin pursuing a deer, the man with the receiver follows the signal in his truck, and radios the position to other hunters in other trucks parked along other back roads. All the trucks race along following the directions of the man with the receiver. Sometimes the deer runs across a road and the man making visual contact will radio that information to the rest. Finally someone gets close enough to shoot the deer.


That's killing, not hunting.

I can't comment on the dogs, as it's not legal here to hunt deer with dogs. But I'd be really amazed if it's legal there to hunt from motorized vehicles and along roads. At least, it'd be WAY illegal here (cannot use a vehicle to chase or spotlight, and cannot shoot a firearm within some distance of a road) and it sounds dangerous and stupid.

I suggest checking into your local laws and calling the authorities for infractions (good advice for everyone--real hunters dislike dangerous a**holes just as much as you do.)

[J Swan]

That would REALLY tick me off. I kicked some fishermen from my land a few years ago for abusing my hospitality. Nothing is worse for all kinds of hunters than the folks who abuse the privilige or even trespass.

WildBlue -where do you live that hunting with dogs is outlawed? I know of no state or province that outlaws hunting with dogs. Regulate it - yes of course.

I think when we trail ride we're pretty safe from lawful and responsible hunters. Unfortunately - there are always bad apples. I can't offer any advice or suggestions except to become good buddies with the game warden, and learn what the game laws are in your jurisdiction.

I was supposed to go foxhunting today but stayed home to fuss over Mr. JSwan (he's sick). But I'm hoping to get in a nice trail ride this afternoon. And I am sure I will encounter at least one hunter (muzzleloader). Since I'll be taking my beloved Peanut with me, I'm sure we'll be chasing some bunnies as well. (Peanut is my beagle - the best huntin' dawg in the whole world)

Happy trail riding..... and hunting!




I posted earlier that I get pissed at hunters trespassing on my property - it is simply because they'd leave their mess behind like cans of beers lying around. I get to clean it up. Once they shot a deer who then went through to make a terrible mess on the fence that bordered my property from the other. Thankfully, coyotes cleaned it up for us.

[siseley]

It is illegal to pursue game in California with dogs, except wild pigs, and if they ever decide to allow again, Mtn Lions. ( not counting game birds) It is also illegal to shoot within or across any primary or secondary road or hiway, or within 1/4 mile of any habitation, from any vehicle, or after sun down. As a former hunter, and sometimes fisherman, I have no problem with hunting, cause if no hunting is allowed here, they, the deer, would either starve, or die of disease. That said, it IS SCARY:eek: when you live near a city of 3 1/2 millon people, (Los Angeles,) and too many have no common sense, and are under trained on proper firearm handling.:eek:
I like your attitude about common sense, and respect, as we know that most game animals only live a few years before succumbing to disease or accident, that is natures way.

Steve

[WildBlue]

WildBlue -where do you live that hunting with dogs is outlawed? I know of no state or province that outlaws hunting with dogs. Regulate it - yes of course.

J Swan, I'm in Ohio and it's illegal to hunt deer with dogs here.

From ODNR's website:

A Deer Hunter CANNOT do any of the following:
<snip>
11. Use dogs to hunt deer.

These others (also from ODNR) are what I was thinking of when I replied to paintmisbehaving:

It shall be unlawful to use any device capable of transmitting or receiving a person’s voice to aid in the hunting or taking of deer.

Spotlighting of wild animals from vehicles, including illuminating with headlights, is prohibited. Spotlighting is illegal whether hunting implements are carried in the vehicle or not.

All hunting from motor vehicles, except boats and machinery being used in farm operations is prohibited.

It is unlawful to shoot from, on, across, or along a public road or highway.

[J Swan]

Ahhhhh.... deer. I thought you meant all hunting with dogs. I didn't bother to check your Code.

Steve - there are foxhunters in CA - so not all hunting with dogs could be outlawed. I know there was a move to outlaw sight hunting but it failed thank God.

That's too bad y'all can't hunt with dogs - it's really the way to go.

[county]

I've hunted with and without dogs for deer. Personally I don't like hunting deer with dogs just never found the challenge in it.

[siseley]

Steve - there are foxhunters in CA - so not all hunting with dogs could be outlawed. I know there was a move to outlaw sight hunting but it failed thank God.

]
I will have to check with the fox hunting people in South Orange county, but I don't think they can hunt fox with dogs either. In most areas our fox are protected. and we don't have many anyway to be a pests.
I'll ask those folks as they maybe only chasing Coyotes. ( So I would be wrong again!:D )LOL LOL

[Frecklefacedfrannie]

Well, here is the other thing you need to consider when riding and it is deer season. We almost "bagged" one trailering to the hunt today. At 50 mph with 3 horses in the trailer. I gasped, slammed the breaks and my friend screeched. The deer laid her ears back and darted. I kept going slow looking for its buddy.
Wow, a nightmare avoided. A wreak with a loaded trailer - and we would have missed a great hunt!
Fran

Watch for darting deer if trailering to your rides.

[Huntertwo]

Well, here is the other thing you need to consider when riding and it is deer season. We almost "bagged" one trailering to the hunt today. At 50 mph with 3 horses in the trailer. I gasped, slammed the breaks and my friend screeched. The deer laid her ears back and darted. I kept going slow looking for its buddy.
Wow, a nightmare avoided. A wreak with a loaded trailer - and we would have missed a great hunt!
Fran

Watch for darting deer if trailering to your rides.


Yes, they say if one runs across the road, slow down as the rest of the herd will be right behind it.

[DairyQueen2049]

http://www.safetyplus.net/trafficsafetyvests.html

These vests are a lovely addition to your wardrobe in the fall. note the fasionalbe color selection of orange, lime green (which is all the rage right now) and the reflective striping.

They are a tad on the pricy side, but here's to your health!

I work for a DOT and keep last years vest handy for use. I love the huge pockets.

[katarine]

I think deer-dogs are legal in MS and GA, but not in AL- yeah, that doesn't work out well.

Poachers with deer dogs are the worst of the worst.

I like hunters, they do play a huge role in conservation and we're overrun with deer here.

I don't ride anywhere I think I might get shot, LOL. That's how I stay safe. IF I opt to ride --wear orange, wear bells, make a fair amount of noise.

[everyequine]

I would love to find an orange quarter sheet to ride with!

www.protectavest.com


I use the shoulder guard style vests for turn-out. I don't ride with quarter sheets, but I do ride bedecked with orange. I'd love to find orange BREECHES!!! I got a coat last year from a company called the outdoor woman (I had the website here, but it was the wrong one- I'll add it again if I find it)
the maker of these Protecta-vest items posts on COTH, she would be happy to help you find the right item.

[gieriscm]

Just a note - when I took Hunter Safety years ago (required to get a license) the class was told to absolutely NEVER wear red in the woods during hunting season, and always blaze orange, for two reasons:

1) red is a common natural color and some hunters will shoot at it (think turkey beards), and

2) the color red can appear brown in low-light conditions like dawn and dusk when most deer hunters are active.

[redponyrider]

"the papers were full every fall of incidents where gun hunters in deer season shot livestock, dogs, and each other, in incidents that frequently involve alcohol. These weren't all urban legends or ignorant rumor mongering, it was stuff in the news."

It's true here too. You can go out in the woods and meet guys with a beer in one hand and a rifle in the other. The deer around here are so used to people even a drunk idiot would be hard pressed to not make a kill. Luckily it's illegal here to hunt deer with dogs, or they'd probably shoot their dogs as well as each other.

[arabhorse2]

The hunters let me ride on their land during non-hunting season, and on Sundays during the season. They've even gone so far as to give me tips about how to stay safe, because even on Sunday there are illegal hunters out, and they know it. I feel sorry for the poachers if the licensed hunters ever catch them!

The hunters/hunt clubs have some of the best property around, and the trails are great, since they keep them cut and upgraded.

I made a point to get to know all the landowners around me when I moved in, and except for one exception, they've all been extremely nice folks who don't mind a horse or two on their land. And the one guy who didn't want me there, oh well, it's his property after all!

As JSwan said, we need to not appear snotty and entitled, just because we have horses. At least in my part of VA we don't have hunting on Sundays, so giving up the rest of the week for awhile isn't going to kill me.

My farrier hunts, and got a buck last Saturday before he came to trim the boys. All my neighbors hunt, and yes, they use dogs and the number system. A nicer bunch of people you'll never meet.

[Huntertwo]

Just a note - when I took Hunter Safety years ago (required to get a license) the class was told to absolutely NEVER wear red in the woods during hunting season, and always blaze orange, for two reasons:

1) red is a common natural color and some hunters will shoot at it (think turkey beards), and

2) the color red can appear brown in low-light conditions like dawn and dusk when most deer hunters are active.


And you know I just bought a nice RED jacket from stateline....:o

But again, aren't they SUPPOSED to know what they are shooting at before firing????? Thats the only thing that really peeves me...

[county]

Beleive me theres as many drunks riding horse as there are hunting. The biggest problem here is horse back riders tossing beer cans in our feilds and pastures. They have even cussed at us because we kick them off our land some can't figure out why we don't let them ride here since we own horses. Basically alot of them are pigs.

[J Swan]

That's odd because the staff of foxhunts wear red (referred to as "scarlet" or "pink". Just so we can be seen. And we can be - I can see staff from very far away.

Just wear the blaze orange or lime green. Don't overthink this.

If you want to find out what hunting is like - why not tag along with a deer hunter? You'll find out it's pretty much just freezing your a** off and occasionally - firing a darn good shot. But mostly - just freezing. And if you're a girl - wishing you hadn't had any coffee that morning because there is no way to pee.



And you know I just bought a nice RED jacket from stateline....:o

But again, aren't they SUPPOSED to know what they are shooting at before firing????? Thats the only thing that really peeves me...

[dawglover]

A good hunter will have the deer in his line of sight, but you might be on the other side of that deer. If you're not wearing blaze orange or hot pink or lime green, you may well blend in with the background and not be seen.
I've seen rifle bullets go right on through deer without stopping. A friend of mine once got 2 deer with the same bullet.
Better safe than sorry.
Again, make an effort to ride in non hunting areas. But still wear your bright colors. Poachers don't follow the rules. It's just foolish to tempt fate.


And you know I just bought a nice RED jacket from stateline....:o

But again, aren't they SUPPOSED to know what they are shooting at before firing????? Thats the only thing that really peeves me...

[DairyQueen2049]

But mostly - just freezing. And if you're a girl - wishing you hadn't had any coffee that morning because there is no way to pee.

Ummm - welllll, give the Shewee a try. Lets just say that it works well enough. :eek: :yes: :eek: :yes:

http://www.shewee.com/

[J Swan]

Oh God - those things are still around? I remember wanting one of those when I was in the Army. The guys would just stick their Winky out the door but alas - I had to hold it.

Nah - I'll just skip the coffee in the am!

[pAin't_Misbehavin']

JSwan - I think I will talk with our game warden and see if my hunters are doing anything against the rules. They act so furtive about things - the other day, one spun his truck 180 degrees and peeled out at the sight of me -that I suspect their methods aren't entirely kosher.

county - Unfortunately, there are lots of drunks on horseback around here too. Every organized "trail ride" in my area winds up resembling a kegger more than it does an equestrian event. I wonder if these folks are so scared of their horses they have to drink to have the courage to ride them?:lol:

[everyequine]

The guys would just stick their Winky out the door but alas - I had to hold it.


;)

[WildBlue]

The guys would just stick their Winky out the door but alas - I had to hold it.

That's the only time I've ever really felt excluded while hunting. One opening morning when I was about 14, there was a last-minute circled conference to make sure everyone knew where everyone else would be hunting. Then ALL the guys whipped it out right there for a last-minute pee.

I was left to admire the tree tops and wonder if it'd be worth schlepping back inside and wrestling with my boots and coveralls.


We get the drunken idiot trail riders here, too--people who basically ride until they run out of beer. Even worse is the group of these fine examples of humanity that decided to combine drunken trail riding with hunting.

[DairyQueen2049]

Ahh yes, the Waterloo Turkey Ride - this event is sure to draw every drunken skunken trail rider in MI. The only yr I went I saw 2 horrific accidents where (haha) the rider was botched and bloodied whilst the horse excaped unscathed.

*sigh* I just avoid the event.

[Huntertwo]

www.protectavest.com (http://www.protectavest.com)


I use the shoulder guard style vests for turn-out. I don't ride with quarter sheets, but I do ride bedecked with orange. I'd love to find orange BREECHES!!! I got a coat last year from a company called the outdoor woman (I had the website here, but it was the wrong one- I'll add it again if I find it)
the maker of these Protecta-vest items posts on COTH, she would be happy to help you find the right item.

Could you possibly buy a white pair of breeches and dye them orange? I'd be careful about ruining your saddle now that I think of it.

[everyequine]

Could you possibly buy a white pair of breeches and dye them orange? I'd be careful about ruining your saddle now that I think of it.

I think they would come out light orange like "creamsickle" colored, but I could try!! Good idea, thanks! I would do it with cotton ones, since cotton holds dye best. I will look to see if Walmart carries RIT dye in bright orange.
Not too worried about rubbing off, It shouldn't run. I have had fun dyeing stuff before, surprised I hadn't thought of it sooner! Thanks!! :) off to wallyworld I go!!

Possible if the lady who makes Just For Horsin' Round tights could make me a pair? Just thought about her, she was mentioned in another post.