Fall is one of the best times to get outside. Crisp air, fiery leaves, and quiet trails make autumn hikes unforgettable.
But there’s another reality to this season: in many places, fall also means hunting season. For families and dog owners who love to hike, that means taking a few extra steps to stay safe.
This isn’t about avoiding the outdoors. Far from it. With the right precautions, you and your little ones (pups included) can keep adventuring confidently all season long.
Here’s what we’ve learned from our own fall hikes—blaze orange gear and all
Why Blaze Orange Matters
Hunters rely on visibility to stay safe and avoid accidents. When you’re hiking in areas where hunting is permitted, wearing blaze orange (also called hunter orange or day-glow) makes you instantly noticeable, even in dense forests or during low light.
Blaze orange is designed to be unmistakable in nature—it doesn’t occur naturally, so it signals “human” from a distance.
Actionable Tips for Safe Fall Hiking
Here are some practical ways to make your hikes safe and stress-free during hunting season:
1. Wear High-Visibility Clothing
- Go full neon: A blaze orange vest, jacket, or hat should be your go-to. Even better.. double up.
- Don’t forget the dog: Outfit your pup with an orange vest, collar, or bandana. Reflective strips are a bonus for dawn and dusk.
- Skip the earth tones: Greens, browns, and camouflage can make you blend into the environment… exactly what you don’t want.
2. Stick to Designated Trails
Hunters tend to avoid heavily trafficked paths, so by sticking to marked trails, you’re naturally less likely to be in overlap areas.
If you’re hiking with kids or dogs, it also keeps everyone closer to you and out of dense brush.
3. Time Your Hikes Wisely
- Avoid dawn and dusk: These are prime hunting hours when animals are most active. Mid-morning to mid-afternoon is safest.
- Check local regulations: Many areas publish hunting dates and hours… know them before you go.
4. Make Some Noise
A quiet hike can be magical, but during hunting season, silence can work against you. Casual conversation, singing with your toddler, or adding a bell to your dog’s collar all signal your presence.
5. Research Before You Go
- Know the land: Some public lands allow hunting, while others do not. Check signage at trailheads and review maps online.
- Look for posted closures or notices: National forests, state parks, and local open spaces often post hunting-season alerts.
6. Teach Kids Simple Safety Rules
If you’re hiking with little ones, keep it simple:
- Stay close.
- Don’t wander off the trail.
- Point out blaze orange as “safety colors” so they understand why you’re all dressed like traffic cones.
Our Routine: Blaze Orange = Adventure Gear
On our fall hikes and runs, you’ll see both me and my dog fully decked out in blaze orange. It might not win any fashion awards, but it gives us peace of mind… and it sparks great conversations with West about why safety matters outdoors.
For him, it’s just part of the “gear” that makes adventures possible, like sturdy shoes or his favorite stuffy tucked into the pack.
Remember: stay safe, stay seen, and keep exploring. The woods are big enough for all of us.
