Welcome!

I don't believe hunters would ever intentionally hurt you, but during hunting season I would definitely recommend wearing orange at all times when you're walking in the woods or anywhere hunters may be hunting.

Unfortunately accidents do happen and every year we read about hunters accidentally shooting members of their own hunting party.

Sticking to private posted land for your daily hikes is not a bad idea either.

No I would not consider it to be dangerous to be in the woods during hunting season, but it would be good to be more alert than you normally would be while hiking, such as avoiding areas where you have seen hunters or have heard shots fired.

Besides wearing blaze orange, you should probably take your hikes during the times of the day when their is the most light. Walking in dim lighting where visibility is diminished won't help matters.

As far as venturing into posted "no hunting" areas, this is usually private land, so by venturing on that land you may be tresspassing if you don't have premission from the land owner.

By the way, if you enjoy getting outdoors, you should consider trying hunting. This is a hunting board, so I'm obliged to make a hunting pitch.

[ This Message was edited by: moderator on 2002-10-15 15:50 ]

Cowgirl & Moderator: THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE!

You have to be kidding me?
I'd rather walk, hike and sleep in any woods in Vermont.....than ride a subway in New York City or "hike" in most metropolitan areas of our fine free country! Your chances are worse being injured or attacked there don't you think?
But then again, you would not have to wear Orange and be out of fashion. OH the hard decisions we all must make........:/

[ This Message was edited by: Cameron County Slayer on 2002-12-23 14:01 ]

Cameron, I wasn't trying to suggest that hiking in a game management unit during hunting season is more dangerous than other places people choose to walk. All evidence shows that hunting is safe and accidents very few.

Instead, I think we were just explaining there is little to fear if one wears hunter orange and "pays attention to their environment". Marquez_fan (a non-hunter) was just looking for some safety pointers from a bunch that knows best: hunters.

When a non-hunter asks me for advice about hunting precautions, I take the opportunity to show that hunters are not the hazardous, blood crazed bunch that certain groups like to portray us as.

Marquez Fan: Being a fellow Vermonter, I recommend that you check out the "Becoming an Outdoors Woman" program run through VT Fish & Game Dept. It will give you a chance to expand your outdoor knowledge and skills and meet people of like interests. It will also put you in contact with people who can address your concerns about safe outdoor practices.

Good luck!!!

Becomeing an outdoors woman programs are great. My wife has been to 5 or 6 already and loves them she will be going to more in the future. The young lady that asked the original question most likely won't see this response since her original post was almost a year ago but, The state parks and other preserved lands make great places for walking. If she wants to walk on lands that are open to hunting thats her choice but she definately should wear hunter orange and try to steer clear of anyone engaged in hunting so as not to mess up his hunt.
As far as someone hunrting her....I don't think so but, you never know. As a 16 year old girl it might be wise to walk with a friend its not just hunters that could be out there.

I would have to agree with Dougw and Hunter777. The outdoors programs are great if they are something that you are interested in. I am also a Vemonter and I feel that during hunting seasons in Vermont, you should have no fear of rape, murder, etc. But as everyone knows it can be dangerous in the woods during this time.