Last Updated on 2 January, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf

Hunting is a pastime dating back to the Roman Empire. It’s steeped in human history and offers the modern hunter an opportunity to use the skills of our ancient ancestors. To hikers, hunting season can seem unsafe, even frightening, to share the same territory with people holding firearms and bows.

Hiking safety during hunting season boils down to a few basic things: knowing when and where hunting takes place, being visible, and using common sense. With a few tips, you can hike confidently during hunting season, knowing you’re being as safe and respectful as possible.

Hiking season doesn’t have to end when hunting season begins. Check out the six tips below to keep yourself safe during hunting season. I also added a bonus tip section for those who hike with dogs!

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Tip #1: Know When Hunting Season Is

I’ve been a hiker all my life, and even though I’ve never hunted, hunters and hikers share a fondness for the wilderness. We can use this link to stay safe during hunting season.

Firstly, accidents that involve both hunters and hikers are rare. Most incidents involve other hunters, and even those are on a sharp decline from previous years. For example, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation reports that hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSIs) have decreased from around 140 per year in the 1960s to around 25 in the 2020s. 

Similarly, the Pennsylvania Game Commission reported the highest number of HRSIs in 1931, with 72 fatal incidents. In 2023, there was only one fatal HRSI.

With that in mind, practicing hiking safety during hunting season is still essential. Even one accidental fatality is too many! Let’s discuss when hunting season is, so you know when to be prepared. 

Hunting Seasons Vary By State

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact hunting season dates because they vary by state. For example, turkey season in West Virginia runs from April 17 to May 21. In Pennsylvania, turkey season runs from May 4 to May 18 and from May 20 to May 31.

The best way to determine what animals and weapons are in season is to look them up for your specific state. Use a reputable site like the Game Commission or the Department of Natural Resources.

Another anomaly to remember as a hiker is that some nuisance animals have an open season year-round. For example, coyotes, wild pigs, and squirrels can usually be taken at any time of the year in some states.

Some Seasons Are Generally The Same Across All States

While hunting seasons vary by state, a few big seasons are generally at the same time every year.

• Deer (Archery): Late September through early October.
• Deer (Firearm): Late October through November.
• Turkey: April & May. Some states in the fall.
• Ducks & Geese: Late September through early October.
• Grouse: Fall

Each state has exceptions, and some seasons even vary by county within the state! Knowing when hunting season is in your neck of the woods is the best way to improve your hiking safety during hunting season.

Tip #2: Know Where Hunting Occurs In Your Area

Hunting is allowed in many areas that hikers frequent, such as National Forests and Parks, State Parks, Wildlife Management Areas, Bureau of Land Management Land, and National Grasslands. 

These areas attract hikers due to their beauty and abundance of wildlife, making them attractive to hunters, too.

There are a few ways to find out where hunting is allowed in your state or the place you plan to hike:

• Trail map: Most parks offer a trail map or have one available online. Many will have particular shading on the map that indicates where hunting is or isn’t allowed and designate what the shading means in the map’s legend.
• Posted signs: Another indicator that hunting is allowed in the area you’re hiking is signage. Check for posted signs that state whether or not hunting is allowed.
• Ask a ranger: Stop by the Ranger Station and ask where hunting is permitted. If a Ranger Station isn’t available, any park office official will likely know where hunting is allowed.
• Search online: The internet is a fantastic tool for finding out if hunting is permitted in the area where you plan to hike. Find a forum or search for a map to help you better understand the hunting situation.
• Ask a hunter: If you know someone who hunts, reach out to get local knowledge. They can point you to where local hunters are likely to be, so you can avoid those areas.

Knowing where hunting is allowed in your area is the best way to educate yourself and improve your hiking safety during hunting season. Knowledge is power, right?

Tip #3: Avoid Looking Like An Animal

Hunting accidents happen all across the United States each year, with the reason being “mistaken for game.” In other words, hunters mistook a person for a game animal, such as a deer or turkey, and accidentally injured them (or worse, unfortunately).

Hikers who dress appropriately can easily avoid mistakes like these. During hunting season, avoid colors that resemble game animals, such as browns, blacks, and greys.

If possible, wear blaze orange to make yourself more visible to hunters. Blaze orange not only alerts hunters of your presence but is also difficult to mistake for an animal! A simple blaze orange hat, like Cabela’s Gameday Hat is perfect.

Tip #4: Hike At The Right Time

Hunting is different from working a nine-to-five. There aren’t specific starting and stopping times apart from having to hunt in daylight hours. However, if you ask any hunter, they’ll tell you that there are certain times of the day when hunters are more active.

Hiking in the ‘off-hours’ from hunters will decrease your chances of crossing paths. 

• Midday: The best time to hike to avoid hunters is around noon. At this time, many game animals are bedded down, waiting for the cover of dusk to resume foraging.
• Late morning: Most game animals, like deer, are less active later in the morning. Aim for after 9 or 10 for the best chances of avoiding hunters.
• Early afternoon: While some game animals may be getting up and about at this time, most are still snoozing or bedded down.

Avoid the hours near dawn and dusk to ensure your hiking safety during hunting season. This is when deer and many other game animals are the most active, and hunters are the most active, too.

Tip #5: Stay On The Trail

One of the quickest ways to be mistaken for a game animal is to walk off-trail and through the woods during hunting season. This isn’t recommended any time of year since walking off-trail further degrades the ecosystem.

Stick to the trail. If you hike with dogs, keep them on a leash and avoid letting them off the trail too far.

Tip #6: Avoid Wildlife Management Areas

Wildlife management areas are lovely places to go for hiking. They often have beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and maintained trails. However, it’s best to steer clear of these areas during the height of hunting season, especially rifle deer season.

Wildlife management areas typically see less hiking traffic, and hunters flock to these areas, hoping to snag whatever is in season. Some seasons only last a few days to a few weeks.

While these areas are open to hiking, there are plenty of other spaces open to hiking and closed to hunting. There’s no need to create unnecessary drama when it can easily be avoided by hiking at a different location a few weeks out of the year. Plus, it increases your hiking safety during hunting season, a huge bonus!

Bonus Tip: How To Keep Your Pets Safe During Hunting Season

If you’re like us, you love hiking with your dog! (We also hike with a cat, but that’s beside the point). But walking in the woods with a dog during hunting season can be risky business. 

Here are some tips to keep your furry pals safe during hunting season:

• Safety vest: Like us, dogs can wear bright orange during hunting season! The Safetypup XD Reflective Dog Vest is crafted with ultradurable fabric, is water resistant, features a bright orange color, and has reflective stripes for low-light conditions.
• Leash: Keeping your dog on a leash avoids situations where your dog may chase after a squirrel (or worse – a deer!) and attract the attention of a hunter. Depending on your dog’s coloration, they could be mistaken for game. We have a fantastic article on the best dog leashes for hiking.Bell: Bells are a great way to alert hunters (and wildlife) of your approach. Attach a bear bell to your dog’s harness or collar for a safer hike during hunting season. We use Portland Design Works Heads Up! Trail Bike Bell because it comes with a clip that’s easy to attach to our dog’s harness.

Use your best judgment to deem it safe to bring your pup on a hike during hunting season. If you follow the tips above, you’ll likely be more than secure on your adventures! Check out our article on dog hiking gear essentials to ensure your pup has everything they need for your trip! 

FAQ: Hiking During Hunting Season

Here are some quick answers to some of the most common questions about hiking during hunting season.

What To Wear In The Woods During Hunting Season?

Wear bright colors, such as blaze orange or yellow. This makes you more visible to hunters and decreases your chances of being mistaken for a game animal.

Where To Hike During Hunting Season?

During hunting season, hike along busy, well-maintained trails. These are less likely to have wildlife around and are less attractive to hunters. Avoid remote trails in spaces open to hunting, especially wildlife management areas.

What Is The Proper Etiquette When Hiking During Hunting Season?

Ideally, hunters appreciate hikers who don’t spook their game. To avoid doing this, hike on more popular trails. Additionally, avoid hiking at first light or the final hours of daylight, as this is when most animals are active and when hunters are most active, too.

If you see a hunter in a tree stand or blind, leaving the area and finding a different location to hike is proper etiquette. And definitely don’t try to chit-chat with them unless they engage in conversation!

Is There A Risk Associated With Being Shot By A Hunter When Hiking In The U.S.?

There aren’t many cases of hikers being wounded, fatally or not, by hunters. That’s not to say it never happens. Unfortunately, there are recorded fatalities throughout the U.S. of hikers being shot by hunters.

Most hunters are responsible and will not make ‘snapshots’ at anything that moves. However, not all hunters are responsible, just as not all hikers are responsible (looking at you, hikers who leave their dog’s poo bag along the trail!).

Is there a risk? Yes. But it’s small. Following the tips outlined above greatly improves your hiking safety during hunting season.

That’s A Wrap On Hiking Safety During Hunting Season!

These six tips will help you enjoy safe hiking during hunting season. Hunting regulations and classes have vastly improved the sport’s safety, but it’s always a good idea to take things into your own hands and take control of your well-being, especially for those adventurers whose hiking season never truly ends!

To recap, here are the six tips to stay safe while hiking during hunting season:

1. Know when hunting season is
2. Know where hunting occurs in your area
3. Avoid looking like an animal
4. Hike at the right time
5. Stay on the trail
6. Avoid wildlife management areas (during hunting seasons)

If you hike with pets, I highly recommend getting them a blaze orange safety vest or bandanna to make them more visible to hunters. You can also add bear bells to make them seen and heard! These safety tips will open the door to happy tails and happy trails!

Until next time, give your furbags an extra pet from us dirtbags, and enjoy your adventures! For more hiking tips like this article, check out our hiking blog!