Big game hunting season ... It sounds so foreboding to trail enthusiasts. It's only natural to enter the forest, see the "hunting season in progress" signs and immediately wonder, "Do I look like big game? Should I sing loudly? Should I wear a big, orange DON'T SHOOT sign or dress up as the birthday clown?" We hear you. But seriously ... worry not. Embarking on a mountain bike ride or hike this time of year doesn't mean you stand a good chance of being harpooned.While Colorado Division of Wildlife's Jeff Butler points out that thousands of hunters will flood the state in the coming months to pursue deer and elk, he also says "no none-hunter has been injured by a hunter in decades."Rifle season hits in October and November and archery and muzzle-loading seasons are already underway. Archers and muzzleloaders must be within 40 yards of their prey to make a clean shot, so, unless you're decked out in antlers, they will most likely not fire at you. Still, better safe than ... uh, shot. Here are a few simple rules trail users should follow during hunting season:* Stay on marked trails* Keep your dogs leashed* Wear bright colors* Stay away from deer and elkNearby areas popular with rifle hunters include Piney River, Camp Hale, Fall Creek, Grouse Lake and Missouri Lakes. Many hunters travel on horseback, which is one of the reasons it's important to keep dogs leashed so the horses don't get spooked. Another important point to remember is that hunters - even if you don't agree with what they're doing - have a right to be in the forest. Don't razz them. They have guns. For more dates and details on hunting season, click here.
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