User groups will share woods, waters as hunting seasons start

The weather is still great for hiking, biking, and other silent sports such as kayaking. But September also marks the beginning of several hunting seasons. Early goose and teal season is already open as well as bear season. Soon rabbit, grouse, turkey and deer archery seasons will be open as well. This will mean many more user groups will be in the woods and on the water. This can mean special considerations for all users of public lands and waters, but with some common courtesy, everyone can enjoy their own recreational pursuit and go home safe and happy.

A reminder: many types of recreation are legal

It is a fact that not everyone is comfortable with hunting. It is just not a pursuit some enjoy. However, it is legal and many people do enjoy hunting all types of game in Wisconsin. Those who are uncomfortable with hunting may want to plan their silent sports excursions in places where hunters are not likely to be pursuing game or at times when there are fewer hunters out.

At the same time, hunters, too, need to remember that hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding and all of the other silent sports are legal as well. That said, everyone who is taking part in a legal activity has the right to be in the woods and on the water. It will make for a much better day for all involved if groups can find a way to use those resources mutually.

Here are some tips for silent sports enthusiasts who may encounter hunters while enjoying the outdoors.

Water sports

Silent sports such as kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding are growing in popularity. These sports are especially popular later in the season when much of the traffic from bigger boats has slowed down on many lakes. For the most part, these silent sports enthusiasts paddle along in near shore areas, where they can enjoy the wildlife and scenery not just of the water, but also the surrounding shorelines. These same places could also be used by waterfowl hunters at this time of the year.

Paddlers should be on the lookout for decoy displays and steer clear of those areas. It is also good for paddlers to announce their presence if they see decoys, even if they do not see the hunter.

“Good morning, just passing through,” can go a long way toward keeping a paddler safe as well as letting a hunter know the paddler does not intend any harm and will be moving around the decoys or hunting blind as quickly as possible. Paddling through a set of decoys is the surest way to start a problem that could have easily been avoided. Most hunters will be understanding when paddlers come around a corner to find their blind or decoys, and need to get by. Again, it is best to maneuver around any decoys, giving them a wide birth. This will be the least disruptive to the hunter.

Once a paddler is clear of the hunter and their equipment, they should simply continue on their way unless, of course, it is mutually agreeable to stop and chat for a minute. 

Wearing brightly colored clothing can be helpful, even on the water. This makes it easier for hunters to distinguish what may be coming toward their decoys, so they do not mistake a human for wildlife of some sort. Many hunters will be concealed to the point that even paddlers will not know they are there. Bright colored clothing allows the hunter to see the paddler, even before the paddler sees the hunter.

Hiking and biking

Hiking and biking are great ways to enjoy the fall foliage and everything else the season has to offer in the outdoors. Of course, by September, there are also hunters in the woods. By the middle of September, many seasons are in full swing including grouse season, deer archery season and bear season. Silent sports enthusiasts should be aware of this, just as hunters should be aware that others will likely be using those same spaces, especially early in the season when weather conditions are still favorable.

Again, announcing their presence is important for silent sports enthusiasts. As the name suggests, these sports do not normally make much noise, and announcing a person is near a hunter can help to keep them safe. Once a hiker or biker realizes a hunter is nearby, after announcing they are there, it is advisable to keep moving and allow the hunter their space. Again, of course, unless a mutually agreed upon conversation strikes up. Both groups, though, should be cognizant of the other’s time and space. 

When a silent sports enthusiast announces their presence, that can help to put hunters at ease from the beginning. It reinforces the idea that the hiker, for instance, means no ill will and is simply using the same space for their recreation and enjoyment. 

Wearing bright colors while hiking or biking in areas where hunters are apt to be is also a good idea. Again, a hunter may see movement long before the hiker or biker sees the hunter, as concealment is one of the only edges they have over their quarry. Any bright or unnatural colors will make it easier for hunters to distinguish a human from wildlife, especially in thicker wooded areas.

When hiking or biking with dogs, it is a good idea to have a bright colored color or, better yet, a blaze orange vest, on the dog. A bell on the color will also help others in the woods to recognize the animal as a pet, rather than wildlife.  Keeping pets nearby is always a good idea.

Hunting dogs

Some people do not agree with hunting with dogs but this, too, is a legal activity. Again, if a person is completely against this form of hunting, it may be better to stay away from areas where hunters may be using dogs, or to stay out of the woods altogether rather than put themselves through the upset of seeing dogs doing the things or which they are trained.

When coming upon a hunting dog in the woods, hikers and bikers should understand that the owner is likely not far, or that the animal at least has a collar on that will show the owner where the animal is. They should not be interfered with. 

However, if a hiker comes across a dog who seems to be injured, it may be a good idea to attempt to find the owner, or to render aid to the dog, if possible. The dog should not be removed from the woods, however, without the consent of the owner.

Sharing the woods and waters

Again, it is important to remember that it is illegal to interfere with a hunter who is in legal pursuit of game. It is also illegal for hunters to act in a threatening manner or start an altercation with silent sports enthusiasts. All of these pursuits are legal and, with a little common courtesy, can be carried out in the same places. With some proper planning and a wish to get along in the woods and on the water, various user groups can occupy the same areas and both enjoy their day outdoors in the Northwoods.

Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].