The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running and Ultramarathons by Jason Robillard

Author:Jason Robillard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Skyhorse
Published: 2013-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

RUNNING DURING HUNTING SEASON

I grew up in a small northern Michigan rural community. Hunting was part of our DNA. Every fall, 75 percent of the population gathered their small personal arsenals of firearms, loads of ammo, and a six pack of beer and hit the forest in search of rabbit, squirrels, partridge, deer, bear, etc. I have distinct memories of sitting in a deer blind in the predawn darkness as the first hints of color appeared in the eastern sky. The first gunshot caused me to jump a bit because it seemed far too early to see a deer through the darkness. That first shot would be followed by a steady stream of gunshots, usually about one shot every thirty seconds.

I also remember thinking how ridiculously dangerous this was—thousands of hunters of questionable sobriety armed with the same rifles used by military snipers shooting at anything that moved. I’m still amazed the number of accidental shootings was as low as it was.

When I started serious trail running, autumn brought mixed feelings. I loved running through the forest as the leaves were transforming to the brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. The sweet smell of fallen leaves filling my nostrils, the chilly air on my face . . . it was magical. Because of the hunters, it was also slightly terrifying. The previous hunting experience helped give a little peace of mind because I could guess where the hunters may be. Still, many of my favorite trails were run through popular hunting areas.

My best advice would be to avoid trails during the most popular hunting seasons. In Michigan, that would be firearm deer season. It may vary in other areas of the country. If you absolutely have to run during hunting season, dress in blaze orange. If any body part isn’t covered in blaze orange, it should be covered in dark green or black. Avoid brown, white, or other colors of the local wildlife (I’ve known too many crazy-ass hunters that shot as soon as they saw a flash of white, the color of a whitetail deer’s tail). If you see a hunter, stay several hundred yards away. Better yet, turn around. In all likelihood, your presence will not be welcomed by hunters because you’re frightening their game. Some hunters, probably the same that shoot without properly identifying their target, have been known to assault nonhunters that encroach in their territory. Public use rules aren’t going to stop insane hunters from shooting you, so proceed with extreme caution.

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