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Safe riding tips during the hunting season
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      For many mountain bikers fall and winter is the end of the season, it gets cold and the days are short. But for the rest of us who continue through the cold months it can create some of the most memorable and enjoyable rides. There is no longer the stigma of training and racing, time to relax and enjoy the scenery. The fall air has a great smell and feel to it, while the winter provides some beautiful and serene landscapes.
The only thing left to concentrate on is NOT GETTING SHOT! In Michigan this is also hunting season (from Mid Sept. to Mid March). There are several types of hunting during this time, not all (if any) are dangerous to Bikers

Hunting season fashion disaster!
Being good friends with a few bikers who are also avid hunters, I have first hand knowledge of what we as bikers and trail users should be aware of during the hunting season. First lets define a few hunting styles to help everyone understand what to look out for. The 2 popular types of hunting in Michigan involve deer.
    Bow hunting which it is extremely unlikely that you will ever get hit by an arrow...or see a bow hunter. Bow hunters hide in the forest many times in what is called a "Tree Stand" above eyesight of deer and people. They are very quiet and sit for hours waiting for the perfect opportunity. Bow hunters typically will not shoot at moving targets, and have a very limited range.

    Gun Season is the other side of the coin, this form of hunting allows a much greater range of fire due to bullet travel distances. Many of gun hunters will walk the woods listening for motion and looking for deer. Some of the things these hunters will look for are brown and white colors, deer tracks or paths, and deer rubs (where a buck has rubbed the velvet off it's antlers off on a tree). Gun hunters can and will fire at moving targets due to the nature of the weapon.

The rest of the seasons involve small game, so unless you look like a squirrel on your bike, you don't have to worry about these seasons. But some of these will overlap with the deer seasons, so it is in your best interest to check out the Michigan DNR site for hunting dates and locations. Keep in mind not all state parks allow hunting. Here are some steps to help avoid incidents with hunters:
  • Know what season it is
  • Know what state parks allow hunting, and in what areas.
  • Wear bright colored clothes. A hunting vest from K-Mart is not a bad investment.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. If you notice people on the trail with guns...be friendly
  • DO NOT wear white. This could look like a running deer out of the corner of someone's eye.
  • Avoid wearing browns, dark, or earthy colors.
  • Do not wear antlers stapled to your helmet.

Please visit www.dnr.state.mi.us for more information on dates and locations of hunting. Remember while out on the trail, that hunter's have been around longer and are more of a necessity than bikers. Please do not call the DNR and report every little encounter with a hunter. This may only add fuel to the controversy of bikes on state land. This is not to say that if there is an obvious attempt on your life you shouldn't call. Please use your best judgment.

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