Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Hiker vs. Hunters during deer season

Actually, the situation may be better than it seems. (See below) However, one thing that still bothers me is that hikers are advised to wear bright colors presumably because there are a sufficient number of hunters who sometimes can't distinguish people from game. Personally, I don't think I would go into an area during a time when there was hunting. I could always go other times or to other areas. Maybe hikers/backpackers who are also hunters and more familiar with the risk would feel more comfortable about it. Or maybe because of their familiarity with the risk they may tend to stay away, except when they are hunting. Interesting question.
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From http://www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/index.html

" In a continued effort to reduce firearm accidents, the State of California requires all first time resident hunters, regardless of age, to complete hunter education training or pass a comprehensive equivalency test before purchasing a hunting license.

The California Department of Fish and Game conducts training throughout the state. Each year approximately 30,000 students complete the state’s ten-hour minimum hunter education course. Statistics show hunter education training is a success.

Hunting accidents of all types have declined substantially since the start of the program. The California Hunter Safety Program began on January 1, 1954 with the passage of the Davis-Abshire Hunter Safety Training Law. The initial law required all junior hunters to take a Hunter Safety Class prior to obtaining their first hunting license."

Perhaps the cost of an orange vest should be borne by those who buy hunting liscences or animal tags since it appears that some of the bumblers can't distinguish between people and bucks and perhaps will not fire only when seeing orange.

Hi to Doug Sr.

Here in Mammoth a couple weeks ago, a bow hunter (with a tag) illegally shot and killed a bear at Lake Mary, in full view of many tourists and anglers. The bear wasn't posing any threat to people. The guy is obviously a careless idiot and reportedly will be prosecuted for breaking the law. Usually, the bow hunters seem very responsible.
The scariest situation I've seen was in Lundy Canyon--lots of rifle-toting hunters, lots of deer, and lots of people hiking to view early fall colors.
I've got a pair of bright orange running shorts I break out this time of year.

I was in Mammoth the day of that sickening bear killing. I hope they throw that guy in jail and throw away the key.

No one needs protection from bears while hiking to the extent where you carry a gun. Please cite one incident where a hiker was killed by a black bear in California. I've seen probably 100 bears while hiking and almost every one was docile, afraid and ran away as soon as they saw me. Or else they grazed peacefully and ignored me.

Anyone who claims they need a gun as "protection from bears" is woefully misinformed.

Fortunately, the 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution gives citizens the right to arm bears.

I am baffled how a hunter could not know the difference between a human and a deer! Don't deer have 4 legs & humans only have 2 legs, don't deer have to have a forked antler for it to be legal to shoot? Do you hunters look though a scope?? 1st to make sure you see just what you are going to shoot?

Ned, I had not heard about the Bear in Mammoth...what a horrible thing to have happened. I hope this person gets punished for what he did. Very sad to have read this...Does anyone know the full story about it?

for the most part hunters are very responsible - as are hikers. hunting has been going on in the sierras long before mountaineers came to bag peaks. if you've ever been up at Convict Lake on an opening weekend - you will see the regular integration of hunters/non-hunters without even having to leave your vehicle.

in general where hunters go for their kill will not interfere with peak baggers. no hunter is goin to hike away from road 6 miles and have to haul that deer back that far - so for the most part it works failry well.

as long as everyone practices safe responsible actions on both sides there should be no problem. there may always be accidents - but a little common sense goes a long way.

p.s. bird season opens 3rd saturday in october - been the same every year for decades - now that gets me away from peak bagging - gotta luv them chukar

I'm sure that hunters have no more trouble distinguishing between a human and a deer than the rest of us do.

However, a hunter can shoot at a deer and miss. With a bow or shotgun, range is limited, but an errant rifle bullet can cover a lot of ground very quickly. Almost all hunters are careful about what is in range beyond their intended target. But all it takes is one bad hunter, misjudgement, etc. to cause a big problem for someone a long way off. Wearing orange may make you more noticeable, decreasing the odds occurrence for that errant shot. I would just choose to hike somewhere else.

What AlanK said is correct.

It's not that hunters can't distinguish people from game, but by wearing bright colors, one is very visable from a distance. If a responsible hunter is aware of your presence, he/she will not shoot in that direction regardless of how close or far away you are.

It boggles my mind why certain people are opposed to wearing orange during hunting season.

tomcat_rc

From my many years of desert hiking I can tell you that there are chukar on Red mountain and the El Paso mountains. Happy hunting.

Rafael...

I think that what AlanK said bears repeating...

Years ago we had a search for an overdue deer hunter in INF. I've forgotten exactly where, but he was found high up and well away from the closest road. He was with his tent, and the deer he had bagged. Getting out with the deer was too big a job for him, so he just waited for a rescue.

A helicopter was used in the search, and it landed at his site once his tent was spotted. He begged and pleaded for the helo to bring out his deer as well, but as I recall they did not.

I think they should have airlifted the deer out... and left the guy behind.

"SAR Team Hosts Venison BBQ"

I think they should have airlifted the deer AND the man, after handing him the bill for $30,000, and getting his Amex cleared on the amount.

Best argument for charging for some rescues I've heard.

Here's a hunting season survival guide you might want to check out:

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Dick-Cheney-Survival-Bible/dp/0812977297/sr=8-2/qid=1158288670/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-4222684-2908601?ie=UTF8&s=books" target=_new>Duck!: The Dick Cheney Survival Bible</a>

I like all of you am an avid hiker and backpaker. Not only is Whitney on my annual to do list but I hike several other trails thoroughout the year as well. I am also a Life Member of the NRA who supports the rights of responsible hunters (though I am not a hunter myself, only a target shooter). My only turn off with the whole hunting thing is that on more than one occassion heading up to a trailhead at 6 to 7 in the morning I have witnessed hunters with their high powered rifles in one hand, and a Bud in the other. Oh and a 12 pack on the hood of their truck as well. At 7 am! Before they even get on with the hunt. I know this is not common practice with most hunters (say only 1 percent or less), but I can only imagine what these guys must have shot at. Or should I say missed, hopefully there wasn't one of us in the background.

Seems like open season on hunters. Or more accurately, open season on irresponsible hunters. Maybe responsible hunters should wear orange jackets when they come on this message board.

Think of the bright side. It could be worse than beer. What if there was a Woodgunstock where they dropped acid. "Hey man, look at all those deer in the tents with the cOLoRs."

and what should irresponsible hikers wear

I have yet to see anyone in local mountains who drinks in the morning prior to a hunt - alcohol is reserved for the evening when enjoying the days work

Tomcat, Glad to see you. Maybe you can answer the question that I posed previously. As a hunter and hiker, would you want to go into a hunting zone during open season for just hiking or would you prefer to go elsewhere? (No offense meant, just a question for my info.) Thanks. Bob

do you relaize how open the hunting zone of the sierras are - while each "zone" has it's specifc season - almost the entire eastern sierra is open for hunting.

as I stated earlier most of the time the further away from a roadway you are the less your odds of any conflicting integration. I see no reason not to hike where you want to hike - a few simple precautions are prudent.

if hiking on a trail you should have no problems - sure avoid areas which involve off-trail bushwhacking. bright clothing is a wise choise and that's not hard to do with todays fabrics.

but I think it's extreme to suggest that all hikers wear orange vests also. if you want to hike - then hike; don't be like chicken little and hide under the bed because the sky is falling - your odds are still greater of being involved in a crash on the road while driving to hiking areas - should we then paint our cars orange too or just stop driving