15 October, 2012
Hopkinton has a wealth of beautiful open spaces and the Trails Club encourages everyone to get out and use them. When we go, we always take precautions to ensure our hikes are safe and enjoyable. We bring maps and water, wear appropriate clothes and footwear, and there's always at least one first aid kit in someone's pack.
Autumn is a particularly wonderful time to be out in the woods. The air is cool and the color of the changing leaves can be spectacular. Extra caution is needed at this time of year however. This is deer hunting season and many of the areas we love to explore in Hopkinton are open for hunting.
There are three hunting seasons for deer in Massachusetts. The 2012 dates are:
Bow & Arrow: October 15 thru November 24
Shotgun: November 26 thru December 8
Muzzle-loaders: December 10 thru December 31
You can still enjoy the woods during this time if you use common sense and take a few precautions:
Be aware of which areas are open for hunting and when (no hunting on Sundays!)
Wear blaze orange clothing (at least a hat)
Avoid hikes during prime hunting times (dawn & dusk)
For more information about hunting seasons and safety in the woods, visit the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (Mass Wildlife) webpage.
