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I hiked section 29 Happy Jack this past weekend, and unfortunately after I started my hike, found out it was hunting season. I had no idea of this when I planned my trip. There was lots of trucks and ATV's on the forest roads, which is a huge majority of the trail, as well as fake bugling and plenty of boys in camo around, and definitely a lot of shots going off in the distance.

In the middle of a single track portion of the Trail, I was lectured by two hunters that I should be wearing a bright orange cap. I was thinking that it was bad form on their part to be shooting that near the Trail. At one point I blew my whistle and waved my arms at a truckload of guys shooting about a quarter of a mile away to let them know I was there.

So please share - what is proper etiquette for backpackers/hikers and hunters to coexist on the same land?
Should I be more aware of hunting seasons and areas?
Should I invest in a breathable orange cap with a cape?

ttretta wrote: I'll look up hunting seasons/areas ahead of time just to be sure as well.

There are deer/elk hunts going on most all weekends from September through November. It's really only the elk hunts that you'll want to become more familiar with and primarily the general bull/cow archery and general bull/cow rifle hunts. When you're sifting through the elk regs, look for the opening weekends that have high permit numbers. The big archery bull hunt is always in early September. The big rifle bull hunt is always in late November. The forest will be full of hunters during those hunts. The permit numbers are very high for those hunts. The general rifle cow hunts are also very popular. Those hunts are on right now. Mid-late October is the time for those.

I personally wouldn't worry about hunters. They fire as few bullets as possible at very specific prey or risk scaring away every creature in the area. Target shooters and plinkers? That's more of a concern AND all year long.

Just to be safe, you might want to check some of the local hunting clubs websites for their events and group hunts. Its nice to have a bit of warning prior to entering an area that is being hunted by a club. Here is a good list from AZ Game & Fish:

https://azgfdportal.az...

I wouldn't worry about Hunters either...As someone that used to Hunt and now just Hikes, I know that Hunters run into People out there all the Time, including other Hunters that are sure not wearing any Blaze Orange either....The Chances of you getting killed in a Car Accident on the way to the Hike are probably greater than getting Shot by a Hunter...

Just because they wear camo and carry guns does not mean they are hunting game... It is harvest season!

We were hiking in the White Mtns. when our doggy (Avatar photo) spotted a chipmunk and tore after it into a large bush. The bush suddenly jumped up screaming. Turned out to be a hunter with his back to us and didn't know we were there until our dog crashed into the bush at mach 1 after said rodent.
So even though we may not have on bright colors our pup always wears a bright bandana while we hike since she is always out in front. Besides many people have said she looks like a fox. I think she is a beautiful dog, but I wouldn't go that far.

Alston Neal wrote:our doggy (Avatar photo)

Thanks for clarifying. I had always thought that was you. :A1:

Alston Neal wrote:Besides many people have said she looks like a fox.

Not to worry! I'm pretty sure fox are either trapped or called in like coyote. Unless you hear the awful sound of someone pretending to be a dying rabbit, your pooch is probably safe

I was just out on the Trail this past week and knowing it was hunting season, I wore pink (because I'm a girl!!) BUT - BRIGHT pink, purples, etc. No reason to blend in!

@sandyfortner
Wow thats gutsy , people do hunt Pink Flamingos

According to Poughkeepsie ( don't ask )

...none of this should discourage you from exploring the outdoors this fall. When you go into the woods during hunting season, wear bright colors to make yourself more visible, and make noise, such as whistling, to make your presence known.

There you have it. Whip out your whistle and get hiking.

joe bartels wrote:According to Poughkeepsie ( don't ask )

back in my nick of the neck

Lately I've become more concerned about the smuggling season.

@Alston Neal
Exactly...Much more worried about them than I am about Hunters...Hunters tend to not normally shoot people on purpose....

And smugglers won't also unless you confront somebody or happen upon something you are not to see. According to my border patrol contacts they value their routes, and do not want to bring law enforcement down on them by murdering random hikers. I've hiked at the border many years and have seen many illegals ( and have a commemoration medallion from a border patrol buddy of mine) and have been lucky to never have had a problem. Most of these contacts have been when I was solo hiking or driving near the border. I would say over the years a few hundred immigrants, I'm counting those from my hiking days in Cali also.

I've had no problem with hunters. In fact I've been the one apologizing for either driving or hiking inadvertently interfering with their glassing or setting up.

Dress like a game warden and they will flee from your presence. ;)

I understand the drug runners don't get paid until the deliver; they don't want trouble anymore than you do.

joe bartels wrote:There you have it. Whip out your whistle and get hiking.

Outdoor Lover wrote:Hunters tend to not normally shoot people on purpose....

They might if hikers start blowing whistles non stop during hunting season.. ;)

Ricochet! Been hiking many years and numerous interactions with hunters and target shooters, growers, emigrants and crazies. Bullets can fly any time of year and anywhere in hiking country. Don't forget about ricochet. Especially downrange. If you are from forest and soft soil country, remember that Arizona is full of rocks, cliffs, canyons and other hardscape that is going to deflect bullets. Not to mention branches, leaves, etc. Careful when you are solo, stealthy, quiet, and at night. As a hiker you are moving, hunters and targets shooters may not be - you likely will be walking up on them, and they are focused downrange, not on you. A wind or breeze can camouflage your voice as well as your smell; so take a whistle. And of course bright colors. When you hear the shots, stop, take cover and get oriented - try to pinpoint the location they are coming from. Even little rocky hills and canyons can scatter the sound and greatly confuse the apparent source. Let them know you are there - after the shot or two or three, the animals are gone so you wont be bothering hunters. If you want or need to go stealth, keep a hill, ridge, etc. between you and the shooters. Try to see how they are hunting. If shooting from high down into canyon - you want to get out or stay out of they canyon. Even one close call can be too many. The bullet/frag may not kill you, but even a small wound can knock you off of a hike. Sure, not many people get hit, but why should that be you? And when you are hearing bullets - your odds just went way up. I never carry a gun but many hikers do these days, not just hunters. Seems like a lot of people with guns can be prone to be afraid of things like snakes and sounds in the woods at night. Fear can do strange things to judgement. Pause a few moments, take a few slow breaths. Handguns and snakes are a combination ripe for trouble on rocky ground. Good luck, stay safe and talk to some of your carrying friends for more info.

My husband is a hunter and he always glasses (uses binoculars) to spot his game if it's far away or not use them if it's close enough. Either way you can tell if it's an animal or a human and most (I hope) take the time to aim right at the part of the body they're aiming at. You don't just see something and then shoot. That's not a true hunter. I can't keep track of hunting season, because throughout the year it's always hunting season for some animal bow or gun. I suppose I will purchase a nice bright hat as well for my trip.

@ssk44
I am not an AZ resident and I am currently siphoning info the best I can from the web. I have plans to backpack AZT starting mid-to-late October and thru November which I am pretty sure will involve a hunting season. I can't say, at this point, whether it will be a thru hike. Where do I go for dates for seasons and regulations that may apply to non-hunters? Don't get me started about what passes for hunting out here. Blaze orange is as vital as good shoes whether it is required by regs or not.

Thanks!
Peace!