Safety Tips

If you’re a hiker it really doesn’t matter how you feel about hunting or as a hunter how you really feels about hiking, but in the woods, the two will meet. We hope that all people can use the woods safely and with a little thought you can. First I personally believe here in New England that on the opening day of any game season I stay out of the forest and leave the day to the hunters. Safer for me and the hunters have enough distractions with the normal first timers out there. In most states we have laws requiring a person in the outdoors to wear fluorescent orange during hunting season. That means hunters, hikers and mom out walking her dog. Oh! Your best friend should be wearing it also.

Here in Rhode Island we have DEM or Department of Environmental Management, the state you’re hiking in may call it something else but use it to plan your trek. You can call or go on line to find out the start of hunting season and the requirements for wearing orange. In Rhode Island during small game, turkey, muzzle-loading and archery season we are required to wear 200 square inches of orange, the size of a ball cap. During shotgun season it jumps to 500 square inches all above the waist, which is a safety vest and cap. You may say why should I have to wear safety orange when I don’t hunt? They should know what they’re shooting at! You maybe surprised that anyone going for a hunting license has to take a extensive hunter safety course before obtaining a hunting license. Accidents happen and don’t you want to have the same advantages as the hunters?

If you can follow these three tips we can all enjoy the great outdoors safely during hunting season.

1. Know when hunting season starts. (Archery season for deer started Sept. 15th in RI, are you wearing orange?)
2. Try to hike in locations that do not allow hunting. (Some states like Massachusetts don’t allow hunting on Sunday’s).
3. Always wear the required Fluorescent Orange even in areas of no hunting.

Hiking Safety

Hiking is always an incredible way to enjoy nature. When people go hiking they feel free and one with nature. Although this can be great, it also requires a heightened sense of awareness for your safety. Here are a few tips for your safety and comfort

Have a First Aid Kit:
You should always carry a small first aid kit. The kit should carry items to take care of cuts, sprains, blisters, and insect bites. I also carry a SOLS Wilderness First Aid Incident Card in my first aid kit. It’s a great checklist for all injuries. Also know how to use your kit.

Leave a Trek Plan:
Always let someone know your itinerary. Leave a short description of your route getting to the trailhead, planned trails, and estimated return time with a friend or family member. We’ve had patrons of the store call and leave their trip plans with us because their family lived to far away. Only to be surprised when I called them because they never let us know they had gotten off the trail. So let the person know you’re off the trail.

Wear Appropriate Clothing and Footwear:
You need to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the area your hiking in. After checking out a guidebook or map of the trail, check out the local weather forecast for the area you’re hiking in. I once lead a group to a mountain for a day hike on a beautiful fall day. Arriving at the mountain we found it covered in snow and ice. We had a great hike because I had checked the weather forecast before leaving and had everyone dressed appropriately. On our descent we ran into several people not dressed properly and were having a hard time with the ice cover rock and low temp.’s. Always dress in breathable, quick drying cloths and in layers. Remember in New England: Cotton Kills!

Outdoor Tip of the Week; Dressing in Layers:

It’s starting to get a little colder here in the northeast and to avoid uncomfortable chill or sweating conditions, dress with expert layering.

Everyone knows that layering is good for you but did you know that the insulation and outerwear that keeps you comfortable on that above tree line ascent will also keep you alive? Here are the three sets of clothing you need for proper layering, all should be breathable.

1. 1. A base layer to wick moisture off your body.
   2. At last one insulating middle layer that can also work as an outer layer.
   3. A windproof and or waterproof outer shell.

Layering is about anticipating the weather. You should act before you get sweaty or a cold wind cools your body down. Think of your body as a lit flame that is at 98.6 degrees and follow this advice to keep your flame from flaring up or going out.

Start Out Cool:

The right layers for starting your trek from the parking lot can feel like a oven after 10 minutes of travel. Start you trip dressed for exertion and you won’t need to stop too soon and shed a later.

Make the Call:

If you’re hiking in a group and feel the need to adjust your layers, don’t wait for a group rest break . Chances are others in your group also need to adjust their layers and will welcome the opportunity to change.

Plan Ahead:

Complete your layering changes in advance and you will avoid those the shiver/sweat transitions. Put on your shell before heading into an exposed area or pack your fleece away before a steep climb.

Think in the Zones:

Sweat-soaked clothing in freezing conditions can drop your body temperature from enjoyably cool to a deadly chilled.  Avoid overheating by checking key sweat zones. The neck and armpits are good indicators. As you warm up remove outside layers with out delay.  Remember you can regulate big temp changes with small clothing adjustments; removing a hat or pair of gloves can make all the difference.