Here in the Roaring Fork Valley, we are fortunate to be able to build and play on trails on public land. Cyclist are not the only are not the only ones benefiting from public lands.
Be careful riding this fall, particularly if you ride in areas shared with hunters.
A few tips for biking during hunting season:
- Avoid riding during dawn and dusk hours. It turns out this is prime hunting time, especially during deer season, plus the low light conditions make it difficult to make out colors and shapes in the forest. If you think you might be caught on the trail in the early evening, bring a light or two to make yourself more visible. The best time of day to ride during hunting season is mid-day.
- Wear orange and/or bright colors. Avoid wearing camo patterns on your clothes, helmet. hydration pack, etc. While brown fur tech tees might be the latest hip cycling fashion in your area, we’d recommend saving those for off-season.
- Avoid grunting noises. Sure, this valley is packed with steep climbs and it can be difficult not to bark out a grunt or two, but be aware, bucks make grunting noises too and anything you can do to not look or sound like a deer is a good thing!
- We all know that hooting and hollering on sweet singletrack trails is hard not to do, but from the hunter’s perspective, noise often disrupts the hunt and scares away game. Please show respect by only making appropriate noises.
- Check for closures with local land managers. Some trails are closed to bikers at certain times to minimize conflicts with hunters. Make sure you know when those times are and observe them.
- Be alert. Sure, hunters need to look out for us but it’s a good idea to look for them as well. Be particularly alert around forest clearings and look for orange hunters’ vests wherever you are. If you see a hunter, give a wave and make eye contact if you can.
Above all, use common sense and do your part to share the woods safely. Hunters and hikers both have the right to pursue their chosen outdoor recreation safely. A lot of hunters are mountain bike riders too. So please respect each other and the land we share.
