I really want to go hiking.
It's sadly ironic that this time of year can be one of the best for hiking -- no biting insects, and no leaves on trees makes for greater visibility -- yet it's the most dangerous time of year for being in the woods. 'Cause it's Hunting Season.
I'd been thinking that the danger lasted until Dec 15, but some research this morning revealed that it's not that long... it's almost over! The season for deer, with firearms, ends Dec 5. Next Sunday.
Hunting Deer with Bow&Arrow continues until Dec. 15, and various bird and small-game continues through the winter, so brightly colored clothing may be wise. But the big danger ends after this coming weekend.
From the New Hampshire Fish & Game website:
Sept. 1 - Dec. 5 Black bear/dates vary according to method and WMU
Sept. - Jan. 2005 Waterfowl/dates vary by species and zone
Dates vary Waterfowl/youth weekend
Sept. 15 - Dec. 15 Deer/archery
Sept. 15 - Dec. 15 Wild turkey/archery
Sept. 1 - March 2005 Small game/dates vary by species and region
Oct. 1 - Dec. 31 Pheasant
Oct. 16 - Oct. 24 Moose
Oct. 23 - Oct. 24 Deer/youth weekend
Oct. 30 - Nov. 9 Deer/muzzleloader
Nov. 10 - Dec. 5 Deer/firearms