Hunting

Last Saturday marked the beginning of hunting season in Pennsylvania. Since many of us hunt, and all of us value our lives - please be careful out there. It is only archery season now. Bowhunters do not have to wear blaze orange, generally are up off the ground in tree stands; and as they do not have the range and knockdown power of rifle hunters, they place an emphasis on positioning and stealth.

With that said, there are State Game lands that are designated as "hunting only" the State Forests are public lands with many shared user groups. In order to be respectful, here are some things to consider:

• Wear bright colors and make noise (they can see you and deer don't make noise)
• Be polite if you interact with hunters (usually in parking lots)
• Don't ride alone
• Night riding is really good
• Sundays are totally open
• Don't ride during "Buck" season (except at nite or on Sundays) - it's their week
• Remember many hunters are also mt. bikers
• State Parks are ok, no hunting in State Parks
• If you see some joker set up on a trail or 100 feet off a road - wave hello
• Saturdays are the busiest for hunters

That said, Martin and I logged close to 20 miles yesterday from Caledonia and didn't see anyone. Be careful out there.