Are Hunters a Threat to Hikers and Campers?

September 3, 2009

Question: As an avid outdoor hiker/camper (“primitive”) in the wilderness, I have just learned that there is year-round hunting of some sort throughout California, especially on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Since I wear and use materials that “blend” with nature, I am now very concerned about whether I should be changing my pup tent and clothing to international orange! As much as I respect the right to hunt and recognize its importance in helping to manage wildlife, I am very concerned about the safety of hikers/campers like myself being shot in the crossfire!  What are the statistics concerning hunting accidents of this nature in California? (Pam K.)

Answer: Public hunting is allowed on most U.S. Forest Service and BLM properties but not within National Parks or California State Parks. In addition, most wild game in California have very regulated seasons. Accidents due to careless hunters as you describe here are rare.

According to Hunter Education Administrator and Capt. Roy Griffith, California sells nearly 300,000 hunting licenses per year, yet averages only about 16 hunting (firearm-related) injuries per year, with two or fewer resulting in death.  In these cases, the injured person is typically a member of the shooter’s hunting party. This year California had its first injury in more than 10 years in which the victim was not a hunter (a farm worker received a minor “peppering” when an individual shot at a dove out of season).

Studies in other states have proven wearing blaze orange reduces the number of hunting accidents that result in injury. While California law does not require hunters to wear blaze orange, it is highly recommended. In fact, DFG recommends that anyone sharing the outdoors become familiar with local hunting opportunities and seasons and wear blaze orange during the local big game seasons. For more information on California’s hunting opportunities and seasons, check out www.dfg.ca.gov/about/hunting/.

Reminds me the time a hiker walked in between me and a mountain side yelling that guns are dangerous! She literally walked off the fire road in to the line of fire. Had to leave case the crazy wouldn't. Although I did remind her that it probably wasn't a good idea to be alone in the woods and starting a confrontation with an armed man that has a shovel in his truck. She turned a little pale. 

The MUCH bigger danger is recreational shooters who go to the woods for some plinking and target shooting.  Most HUNTERS are familiar with their firearms and all that implies; backdrop, bullet range, positive game identification, etc. where-as anybody can just buy a gun, a box of bullets and pull off the first dirt road he comes across and uses that road for his target range.  I see it over and over, several times a year while searching out mountain fishing streams. 

Totally agree. Idiots like you describe are getting more and more places closed down. Shooting across valleys, roads, streams, blind shooting in forest...etc.