As gold prospectors, we spend all the time we can in the back country, often in very remote locations.
Some of us are hunters, plus we share the wilderness with many that hunt. In different parts of the country there are different seasons for hunting. So be safe, be aware and consider wearing orange year around. There is no good reason to wear camaflouge in the wilderness unless you are hunting prey, and lots of smart reasons not to:
Hiker Killed by Bear Hunter
By Wade ⋅ August 5, 2008
A hiker on Sauk Mountain in Washington was shot and killed by a bear hunter this past weekend. This is a rare occurance but is still a real threat for backpackers who head in to the wilderness during hunting season. Another layer of tragedy to this story was that the hunter who shot the hiker was only 14-years-old. No charges have been filed yet, but I think the victims neighbor said it best; “You look into a scope you know what you are firing at — and really and truly that’s all I got to say.” We all share our public lands, hunters and hikers alike. Hunter safety courses are immensely important. Educating our young hunters is paramount to ensuring we don’t have any itchy trigger fingers out there. Young hunters must know what is in their sites every time they pull the trigger. They must be 110% sure.
The CDC did a study for 6 years in the early 90s. Out of 125 people shot by hunters that were mistaken for game, only 6 were wearing hunter orange. If you are hiking in hunting season, at least get yourself a brightly colored shirt or pack. Or wear a bright orange bandanna or hat.
Sierra Blogging Post provided some great tips we can all keep in mind when playing in the backcountry during hunting season…
1. WEAR ORANGE. Wear a blaze orange vest, cap, shirt, shorts, whatever. Wearing bright orange, the color hunters wear to avoid being shot, is the best way to make your presence known. This universal hunter safety color will dramatically reduce your chances of being mistaken for game. (Don’t forget to dress your dog in orange, too.)
2. Avoid wearing white during hunting season. A flash of white in the woods can be (and has been) mistaken for the white of a deer’s tail.
3. Avoid wearing dark colors, like black and brown. Humans dressed in brown or black can be mistaken for large game.
4. Stick to established trails. Hunters should be aware of trails popular with hikers and be extra cautious in those areas. (Obviously, as with this case, that doesn’t always mean they will be.)
5. Consider hiking in places unpopular with hunters. Check with your local wildlife official, Fish and Game department, or local sporting goods store to see where the hunters are/are not.
6. Make noise while you hike and don’t hike alone. Alert hunters to your presence by talking, whistling, singing, or carrying bear bells.
7. As always, make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you plan to be back.
Courtesy: The Outpost
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