For many outdoor enthusiasts in Texas, their favorite time of year is upon us. I’m talking, of course, about deer season. Archery season opened on Sept. 30, and the general season opened on Nov. 4. As our fellow hunters and hunting friends are enjoying their time outdoors, TLC wants to remind everyone – from recreational enthusiasts to hunting elite – to be safe this fall.
Know Before You Go
Make sure you educate yourself on where you want to go to ensure you have the best and safest experience. Specific dates for hunting seasons vary by county, by type of game, and by type of firearm. Check with the specific agency where you are going as many wildlife management areas, state forests, national forests, grasslands, and some state parks are open to hunting. A great first stop is the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s webpage where you will find information on regulations and an interactive map showing all publicly accessible land across open to hunting.
Wear Blaze Orange
If there is even a chance that you will be in an area where hunting is taking place, you want hunters to be able to easily see you from all directions, so wear a blaze orange hat, shirt/vest, or hooded outwear. If you are wearing a backpack, make sure that it isn’t covering all of your orange or use an orange pack cover. If you have a four-legged hiking partner, be sure they are wearing blaze orange visible from all directions and keep them leashed at all times. Here’s a great video on how to sport your orange.
Use Extra Caution at Dusk and Dawn
The combination of poor visibility and increased hunting activity make this a time to be extra cautious. The addition of reflective material or a headlamp increases everyone’s safety.
The fall is one of the best times to be out and exploring the outdoors. By keeping these safety tips in mind, all outdoor enthusiasts will be able to safely enjoy the nature of Texas!
Check out TLC staff sportin’ some blaze orange!
