Blaze Orange is the New Black

Deer and bear hunting season is in full swing here in North Carolina. The owners of the property around us do not allow hunting on their property. Unfortunately, a few hunters have been known to stray across property lines. Since we have heard gun shots around us, we decided we would rather be safe than sorry.

My usual dog walking uniform could be mistaken for either a deer (tan pants) or a bear (black coat, especially with the hood raised). During hunting season, I wear a blaze orange vest and sometimes a blaze orange toboggan, if it is cold. Gracie even has a blaze orange vest meant for a hunting dog. From a distance, her white body could be mistaken for a deer tail.

I know you are probably thinking, “How in the world could anyone mistake a person or a little white dog for a deer or bear??” Every year, some poor person loses his or her life to a hunter who thought the person was a deer or bear. I do not know how someone could make the mistake, but they do.

If you are going to be in the woods, it is important to take some precautions. Buy the brightest, most gaudy articles of clothing you can find. Sure, you will look awful.  Would you rather look cute and be shot or look like a giant, fluorescent pumpkin and be alive?

Don’t forget to outfit your buddy too. (This is especially important if you have a large black dog.) The same places that sell hunting gear should have fluorescent vests for your dog.

It is also important to know your surroundings. Are you hiking on a property where people can hunt? What animals can hunters kill when you are hiking? When does hunting season end in your area? Yes, it is gruesome information. It is necessary for your safety, though.

Where can you find this information? Visit the website of your state’s wildlife resource management department; in North Carolina, go to ncwildlife.org. The site may not be able to tell you which private property owners allow hunting. You can learn more about hunting season times and public lands that are being used for hunting, though, so you can stay safe.

Let’s all be extra careful out there!

Rescue Mommy