Small Game HUNTING opens October 1st (this Saturday)

beverlee · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Posts: 28 Location: Wappingers Falls NY

so if you ride on State Lands it is a good idea to wear some orange. Expect to see hunters parked in some of the lots, and be mindful of who/what you ride up on. Hunting opens at sunrise for pheasant, turkey and small game. More details on seasons/ species/ dates at dec website.
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Bev

BillB3 · Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 7:34 am Post subject:

Thanks for posting, here is a direct link if you are feeling lazy:

http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/huntingseasons1112.pdf

chiefmatesam · Joined: 28 May 2011 Posts: 493 Location: Poughkeepsie

Ok this is probably a bit of a dumb newbie question...how safe is it to ride 909 and other state lands open to hunting (with proper orange colors, etc.)? This is the first fall I'll be riding...and am a bit on the nervous side. Number of years ago when I lived in NH, had some moron from Boston shoot at my Jeep (was off-roading on state primitive road). Pisst him off when I layed on the horn for a good 45 secs...told him it pisst me off being shot at. So as you can imagine, I'm a bit nervous, but I don't want to give up riding for the next month because some drunk moron thinks I'm something he/she wants to mount on their wall.

Bud · Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2011 2:05 pm Post subject:

You are as safe as the "stability" of the person with the finger on the trigger. (Or bow string)
I'm sure we have all come across hunters that are cordial and others that have been uncivil. Remember these are 'multiple use areas' and they have the same right to be there as we do. Use your own discretion, if you go wear bright orange, ride in groups of 3 or more etc.
909 typically has very few bow hunters, but when shot gun season opens the best advice is to ride at night (and drink plenty of Guinness those extra carbs assist night vision).

chiefmatesam · Joined: 28 May 2011 Posts: 493 Location: Poughkeepsie

Bud, how very true!! Bow hunters seem to be a little less prone to shooting anything that moves...shotgun hunters seem to think anything that moves is ok to shoot. I know I ran across someone who was very difficult...but I know there are very responsible hunters out there who are nice. Because I don't own a light yet (aside from duct taping a couple of flashlights to my helmet) I won't do any night riding. Was hoping someone might know of a couple of places to ride this fall once the shot hunters get started. Easier to just avoid it for me.

BillB3 · Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2011 2:48 pm Post subject:

chiefmatesam · Joined: 28 May 2011 Posts: 493 Location: Poughkeepsie

Thanks Bill! I did a search as well, but must have missed that thread.