Hiking Oct. 21

Thank someone the Adirondacks don't reach into the southern tier. I just moved out of a house with holes in it from "enthusiastic" hunters. They just legalized rifles in the Southern Zone last year and I'm expecting injuries and deaths to climb again.

Just checked the DEC site.Other than the Catskills and Mohawk Valley the only counties with rifle hunting in the southern zone are Cattaraugus,Allegany,Tioga,and Chenango.So don't get caught with one in the other counties.I will admit it does get hairy down here once in awhile but I would just take everybody elses advice and just wear orange.

[Gomer]

Thank someone the Adirondacks don't reach into the southern tier. I just moved out of a house with holes in it from "enthusiastic" hunters. They just legalized rifles in the Southern Zone last year and I'm expecting injuries and deaths to climb again.

[StBonaAlum]

Noted

I understand that hunters are typically a careful bunch with just as much regard for everyone's safety as they have for thier own, but since I haven't been hiking that long I figured I'd ask.


Thanks for the helpful hints. I have the blaze orange top ready to go and will likely keep to the trails. Now as for sleeping out, we'll see how the weather goes...

[Sasquatch]

Most hunting injuries are self inflicted. I wouldn't worry too much. Take some simple common sense preventive measures like wearing orange, staying pretty much on trail, making "people" noises like talking and such, and you should have no problems. Besides, once you get more than 1/2 mile back from a road/parking area, the only hunter you're likely to run into would be me.

[cbrown7]

I think people are WAY too concerned about hunters in the Adirondacks. I have been hunting for 40 years and even though I'm from the North Country I live in Syacuse now. The only time I worry at all is in the Southern Tier. I agree that most hunters aren't far off the road, especially in the high peak areas. Also, let's face it, there aren't that many deer in the high peak areas. They tend to stay in lower elevations where they can forage and get out of the weather. Still, it's a really good idea to wear orange. Those (we) darn "city hunters" can't be trusted.

[lumberzac]

In general, if you wear some blaze orange and don’t look like a deer, you should be fine.
Also most hunters will be within the first mile from the road.

[StBonaAlum]

With hunting season beginning on Saturday Oct. 21st, can anyone suggest a good day hike that will keep my party of three away from those roaming the woods with weapons.

I was planning on the Pharaoh Mt. area, but have been told it isn't a good idea to be in there on the first day of hunting season.

Are most of the High Peaks areas safe? What about the Lake George ranges? Thanks in advance.