Hiking at any time of the year is enjoyable although during the hunting season it's probably a good idea to be alert to that other recreational use of the woods. The most common problem hikers have with hunters is an anxiety that there are untrained hunters using lethal weapons in the woods whenever the property is posted as an area used for hunting. In fact it is unlikely that a hunter will confuse a hiker with a deer, turkey or small game. Yes, accidents can happen but hunters are trained to be sure of their target and beyond. Hunters are licensed to use firearms and bows and the use of these weapons are restricted to specific times of the year. In Suffolk County, the deer hunting season is Oct. 1 to Dec. 31st and is restricted to bow hunting. Firearms can only be used Jan. 5 to Jan 30th. Small game that includes squirrels, rabbits, pheasants, raccoon, fox, and opossum are hunted from Nov. 1 to, in most instances, late February. Local hunters are not permitted to possess high-powered rifles. It is also illegal to discharge a firearm or bow that might carry over any part of a public highway and within 500 feet of any dwelling.

Waterfowl are only hunted over water and rifles or handguns cannot be used to hunt pheasant or turkey.

The good news for hikers is that most trails are on preserves or other properties that exclude hunting. If concerned, wear brightly colored clothes while hiking during the hunting season and learn to whistle....loudly.