Hunting Season Duds

[rupped]

I just realized that the weekend we are planning to go out to Sherando (10/28) is the first weekend of turkey firearm, and in the middle of bow season for everything.

What are people's thoughts on riding during hunting season(s)?

What precautions do you take? I did a web search for blaze orange helmet covers, and came up empty. Any thoughts on vests, bells or anything else?

I have friends coming from all over the US, and really don't want to reschedule.

Thanks for your help.

[riderx]

Don't wear white during deer season. A bear bell (http://www.rei.com/product/2005.htm) strapped to the seat rails is a good to annoy your friends and make sure you aren't mistaken for game.

[Brizn]

Good that this was brought up.. Rec trail use is permitted during hunting season, but this is no choice I'd make..

Below is a link to MD DNR hunting season info. As you'll see, hunting starts this month...so folks who ride in places like Frederick's Watershed will need to be aware of the dates. Looks like Sunday's are wide open! --ie, No Hunting on Sundays.

Hunting seasons for "Region B" (Everywhere West of /and including Washington County)http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/regionb.asp

[bikerRob]

I just realized that the weekend we are planning to go out to Sherando (10/28) is the first weekend of turkey firearm, and in the middle of bow season for everything.

What are people's thoughts on riding during hunting season(s)?

What precautions do you take? I did a web search for blaze orange helmet covers, and came up empty. Any thoughts on vests, bells or anything else?

I have friends coming from all over the US, and really don't want to reschedule.

Thanks for your help.

9/02/06>> These are some tough questions. I've never been to Sherando but have ridden areas like where the SM 100 is going on right now. In the GWNF you have lots of hunting cabins and shacks. Of course no one is there during the summer off hunting season but my guess is that the place(s) come alive during the hunting season. Whenever I've camped at North River campground ( near Lake Todd) and had to go out to buy food at the local convenience store, I always noticed all the local Bubba/Billy-Bob types pulling up in their Pick-ups with gun racks in the rear windows and fishing/hunting logos plastered on the windows. Don't get me wrong, I sure they are fine people...as long as you don't mess with them. To me it's very obvious that the men who live out that way live for fishing and hunting. I don't know about you but it's always made me extremely antsy whenever I hear gun-fire going off near where I'm riding. Sure, you can still ride and wearing some bright clothing is smart but don't be surprised if you pass a group of Beer drinking/ gun toting local yahoos who give you a dirty look ( or worse ). Locally ( during the hunting season ) I usually stay to the local State Parks or ride on Sunday ( when hunting isn't allowed ). To be on the safe side I would call the local Ranger District near Sherando to get their opinion on the tolerance of the locals during hunting season. Having a hiking whistle or beer bell like RX suggested might not be a bad idea. (Sorry, my bad...bear bell.. a beer bell would bring the hunters to you ) ;)

[DMarchy1]

I ride as often as I can even during hunting season. I wear a Blaze orange safety vest over my riding clothes whenever I am in a park which allows Hunting. Many hunters have thanked me for wearing the very loud color. I dont really worry much about the bow hunters as they have to usually be within 30 yards of their intended game before they are willing to take a shot. They also very rarely shoot at a moving target.

Mostly I worry about shotgun, rifle, and black powder Hunters as their projectiles travel further when they miss, and they have so few days to hunt they are usually packed into the parks which allow hunting.

The Blaze orange vests are avialable at Walmart, Dicks, Sports Authority, and the like, for about $3.00 They are Very light weight, you wont even notice you have one on but all the hunters will notice you. During Turkey season avoid anything with the colors White or Blue. They resemble a turkeys Head.

Dave M.

[piperj]

And, if you ride with someone you really don't like, perhaps you could get them this little item as a gift...

http://home.comcast.net/~jtpiper/antlerhelmetsmall.jpg

[redneckp3ngu1n]

And, if you ride with someone you really don't like, perhaps you could get them this little item as a gift...

snip

Of course those antlers would be made out of carbon fibre form maximum bling factor :rolleyes: That just gave me an idea. Has anyone used antlers as time trial bars on their road bike. It seems that if you added some handle bar clips and pads then you could have the coolest tri bike in the whole race :p

[yueq]

I ride in this jersey, not sure about good (burnt orange) or bad (long horns) for the season. :confused:

Go long horns!

[Squirrel Girl]

I just wear my don't-kill-me vivid puke yellow/green road jersey in the woods when I go during hunting season.

Word to the wise. It was one year ago this weekend that the bullets were flying about 30' in front of me in West by God Virginia as I pedaled on a FOREST ROAD. No amount of bright clothes can stop IDIOTS from firing guns where they can't see. Or maybe they could see me and were deliberately trying to pick me off, but I don't *think* so. I also now carry a whistle. I guess it'll allow the homicidal maniacs to home in on me, but for everyone else, I think it'll alert them to not killing me.

[piperj]

I still remember doing an early morning ride a long time ago with Bob Caverly at Schaeffer Farms, and rolling by a guy carrying a rifle or shotgun. Kinda weirded me out. I hoped that the hunter wouldn't hear leaves rustling, and just turn and shoot. :eek:

[bikerRob]

I just wear my don't-kill-me vivid puke yellow/green road jersey in the woods when I go during hunting season.

Word to the wise. It was one year ago this weekend that the bullets were flying about 30' in front of me in West by God Virginia as I pedaled on a FOREST ROAD. No amount of bright clothes can stop IDIOTS from firing guns where they can't see. Or maybe they could see me and were deliberately trying to pick me off, but I don't *think* so. I also now carry a whistle. I guess it'll allow the homicidal maniacs to home in on me, but for everyone else, I think it'll alert them to not killing me.

9/03/06 >> Hey, you're a squirrel....what were you expecting them to do... ;) But seriously, I wouldn't put it past any half-drunken YWAG ( Yahoo With A Gun ) to fire their gun in the air right as you ride past just to make you JUMP! I think we're all aware of the A-&$#$ who do this by blaring their car horns just before passing you on the road. I suppose it gives them a cheap thrill.

[riderx]

Just like the majority of MTBers are responsible trail users and aren't hell bent on trail destruction, the majority of hunters are safe and follow all of the rules (which includes not drinking while operating a fire arm). You are probably more likely to encounter a cyclist who's been drinking than a hunter.

Careful with the stereotypes, hunters can be big allies when it comes to land preservation and access issues. And I bet a few mountain bike too.

[DKEG]

9/03/06 >> Hey, you're a squirrel....what were you expecting them to do... ;) But seriously, I wouldn't put it past any half-drunken YWAG ( Yahoo With A Gun ) to fire their gun in the air right as you ride past just to make you JUMP! I think we're all aware of the A-&$#$ who do this by blaring their car horns just before passing you on the road. I suppose it gives them a cheap thrill.
Dude, easy on the hunters. They are not all drunks shooting at whatever moves. I am not a hunter but have family and friends who are. I would say 1/3rd don't even drink. They would never handle a gun when they have been drinking. Also I would say my family members and friends are big advocates of gun safety. I know a MTB'er or two who also hunt. Most are avid outsdoorsmen and can help us keep things open. Also may even open a few doors for us. Give them respect. This is they're time of the year. We have plenty of places to ride where they are not at.

[DaveG]

Dude, easy on the hunters. They are not all drunks shooting at whatever moves. I am not a hunter but have family and friends who are. I would say 1/3rd don't even drink. They would never handle a gun when they have been drinking. Also I would say my family members and friends are big advocates of gun safety. I know a MTB'er or two who also hunt. Most are avid outsdoorsmen and can help us keep things open. Also may even open a few doors for us. Give them respect. This is they're time of the year. We have plenty of places to ride where they are not at.


Every single hunter I've met while riding has been friendly. They always thanked me for wearing bright clothing (David: My Key West Jacket for reference ;) ). Generally very nice guys, plus they also have a vested interest in maintaining land access.

Dave

[notrelatedtoted]

Just like the majority of MTBers are responsible trail users and aren't hell bent on trail destruction, the majority of hunters are safe and follow all of the rules (which includes not drinking while operating a fire arm). You are probably more likely to encounter a cyclist who's been drinking than a hunter.

Careful with the stereotypes, hunters can be big allies when it comes to land preservation and access issues. And I bet a few mountain bike too.


'Zactly. Well said!

[DMarchy1]

Great Point, Hunters help all trail users by fighting for public access for all. Mountainbikers are great help to the Hunters. In nearly all 50 states hunting is only allowed during daylight hours. Most game animals Bed down and are inactive during daylight hours. Mountainbikers, hikers, and Equestrians, wake-up or disturb the game causing them to move about in the woods and increase the chances they will travel by a hunters Stand.

Everybody benefits, Except the Prey of course. Dave Marchyshyn.

[CRAIG2]

Mmmmm... deer steaks :)

[bikerRob]

Dude, easy on the hunters. They are not all drunks shooting at whatever moves. I am not a hunter but have family and friends who are. I would say 1/3rd don't even drink. They would never handle a gun when they have been drinking. Also I would say my family members and friends are big advocates of gun safety. I know a MTB'er or two who also hunt. Most are avid outsdoorsmen and can help us keep things open. Also may even open a few doors for us. Give them respect. This is they're time of the year. We have plenty of places to ride where they are not at.

9/03/06 >> Heaven forbid! :rolleyes: I never meant to imply that All hunters were drunkards or to stereo type them as such. I too have family members that hunt and most of them I would trust to hunt responsibly. I've also known a couple people who I have worked with that also hunt and I wouldn't trust them as far as I could shake a stick. One guy ( at work ) told me once that if I went MTB'n during Hunting season that I might get shot at...on purpose. Yeah, he was sort of a whack-0 but then again some people are. Hopefully, these (whack-o's ) are a vast minority. Then again, every year you hear the stories of hunting accidents. Usually hunters shooting other hunters, not to mention that incident some years ago about the hunter that went postal....I know, I know....it's the freaks that get all the press...um...sorry D.C., that doesn't include you. ( *for the record, I'm not anti-gun or anti-hunting, just anti-whack-o ..is that okay? ) I agree with your last sentence whole-heartedly.

[Squirrel Girl]

FYI - I'm not anti-hunter. I'm pretty sure the folks who were shooting by/at me weren't hunting at the time (unless they were hunting me!). I'm also not anti-gun. I used to own a couple of pistols.

I think it was as much a West-by-God Virginnie factor as much as anything. And yes, that is a stereotype. I'm sorry. While on that trip to WV, I stopped for gas and a woman with no front teeth was smokin' cigs at the pumps. I couldn't help think, 'What they say about WV *is* true!' And yes there are a gazillion of wonderful people in WV, too.

The trouble with hunters is that the consequences of them screwing up is that so much worse than the consequences of a bicyclist or golfer screwing up. Think Dick Cheney.

[macdaid]

.... hunters can be big allies when it comes to land preservation and access issues. And I bet a few mountain bike too.


Absolutely true. Was talking to a guy at Blue Ridge Arsenal (a Chantilly, Va. gun shop & range) who was an avid Mtb'r...

[allencb]

I'm a hunter and a mountain biker. I was doing the bike thing long before I got into hunting though. Neither I nor anybody I've hunted with would take a shot at something we couldn't identify visually. Unless you're wearing a deer suit and walking around on all fours, I can't imagine a biker being in danger.

That said, hunting season is short and most folks don't get much time in the woods as well. Try to avoid known hunting areas during the season, especially general firearm for deer (especially "either sex" days on public lands) and the spring turkey season, those are your more crowded and shorter hunting seasons.

BTW, has anyone ever seen that bike designed for hunters put out by Reflex years ago? It was a bonded Al frame similar to the Raleigh Technium series. The finish was a camo pattern and it came with a handlebar mounted rack for a gun or bow. I only saw one back in the early 90s and since I wasn't into hunting then, didn't pay much attention to it.

Chris

[burgh punk]

Allen, I saw a camo Smith and Wesson branded bike at a fundraising dinner I went to the other night. No gun rack, and the componentry was...alright. Low end Shimano, RST fork, etc.

Based on how early I used to have get up to go deer hunting, and how frakking cold it was, you would have to be both a hardcore biker and hardcore hunter to want to bike into the woods to go hunting.

PS - support your local outdoor conservation groups...we are all on the same side.

[cbottcher]

Been Done. Interbike 2006 check out link at velonews:

http://www.velonews.com/tech/report/articles/10937.0.html

[soreback]

so where around here does allow hunting in the park?

I ride as often as I can even during hunting season.

[riderx]

Off the top of my head:
- Various parts of Patapsco including sections of Avalon (bow hunting by special limited permit)

- Frederick Watershed

- Seneca Creek State park (butts up against Schaeffer and parts of Greenway) - http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/seneca_hunt_rules.html

- George Washington National Forest

- Prettyboy and Liberty Watersheds

- Greenbrier

Additional MD Hunting info here (http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/)

[tomn]

I think they have managed hunt days scheduled for Rosaryville too.

[werace424]

From http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/somd.asp

Just FYI.

For Managed Deer Hunting:

"Rosaryville State Park – Shotgun, Prince George’s County
Application Deadline – Applications must be RECEIVED by 3 p.m. October 25, 2006
Lottery Drawing – October 26, 2006
Mandatory Scout Date – November 5, 2006 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Hunt Dates – November 21, 2006, December 2, 2006, December 12, 2006, January 4, 2007 "

One of my good friends is an avid hunter and he is one of the most responsible people I know. He even gives some meat to other families if he "gets too much".

Peace and Wild Game Grease

Paul

[eloach]

Performance Bike has a blaze orange long sleeve top for $19.95 when it is on sale, which is fairly often. I seem to recall seeing it on sale in the last flyer.

[jdpaddle]

I went to the site referenced above about MD Hunting. I know Greenbriar allows hunting. Passed some dudes with rifles once. Thats unsettling.
How about Gambrill. It isn't listed. Would one be relatively safe on the yellow trail? Extended loop?
On a weekday or saturday?

[werace424]

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/regionb.asp

Does not specify Parks just counties.

But this does...

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures/mtbikecfalls.html

"Be aware of hunting seasons. Gambrill State Park is not open to hunting, but many trails pass close by private or public lands open to hunting. Bright colors should be worn during hunting season. "

Sanctuary for you and the animals. I'll bet that place gets flooded with deer during the season. Watch out you don't get run over by Bambi! :rolleyes:

Peace and Sanctuary Grease

Paul

[RetroG]

While on that trip to WV, I stopped for gas and a woman with no front teeth was smokin' cigs at the pumps..

I've seen that around here, so it ain't just a WV thing, although the teeth part might hold true..... That's all about well water/water quality.

[love2climb]

This outfit usualy does a fantastic job.....

[walsh]

I prefer to wear a suit jacket and a Dick Cheney mask. It sends hunters diving for cover.