Question for hunters re: horses

[Sweetpea]

I trail ride my horse through woods that are often used for hunting. When I was younger and stupider I used to see the guys in the stands and wave and say hi. They were all nice about it but I bet they were ticked off that my friends and I were making noise and tromping through the woods. We always try to wear orange and be less disturbing these days.

So how do you all feel when someone comes along and disturbs your hunt? Has anyone ever seen people on horseback when hunting? Does it tick you off? or do we scare the deer in your direction? Please be honest and let me know if there is anything we horseback trailriders can do to be less intrusive for you as well as what we can do to be safe. Luckily my horse is white and not easily mistaken for a deer but there are many brown horses too. Thanks!

[zephyp]

I wouldnt be caught dead on a horse in the woods during deer season and glad yours is white!!!

Having said that I think it depends on the individual hunter. Some people, especially bow hunters are extremely picky about anything disturbing their hunt. Some hunters dont mind others traipsing around as it keeps the deer stirred up. Some ride ATVs to and from their stands. Regardless, If I were you I would be careful on your horse during deer season - even if it is white...Some folks out there arent responsible and tend to shoot at almost anything moving - especially large deer-like animals...and I have seen at least one albino deer in my life. It wasnt completely white but it was very very light...just my $0.02.

[Paliden]

Well, I have hunted for many many years. I have known some of the safest people whom I would trust my life with. Having said that, I have known some who I wouldn't be in the woods with. I've heard some say they shot because the bush moved. Yes heard that with my own ears. So some are good and some are not. It only takes ONE shot to ruin your day.
My advice: Ride on Sunday! Because you don't know which one will be in the woods with you, do you?
Semper Fi

[zephyp]

Well, I have hunted for many many years. I have known some of the safest people whom I would trust my life with. Having said that, I have known some who I wouldn't be in the woods with. I've heard some say they shot because the bush moved. Yes heard that with my own ears. So some are good and some are not. It only takes ONE shot to ruin your day.
My advice: Ride on Sunday! Because you don't know which one will be in the woods with you, do you?
Semper Fi

Good deal. Illegal to hunt in VA on Sunday with some very minor exceptions that you probably dont have to worry about.

[Vahunter]

I have never had a horse disrupt my hunt but have had my fair share of ATV's, bicycles and people walking through the woods. Since I have exclusive hunting rights on the property I hunt, all the above were trespassing. About 20 years ago or so there was a guy riding his horse during bow season out in one of the western states when he was killed by a so called bowhunter. How hunting accidents happen is beyond me If you are going to ride during deer season do yourself a favor, wear blaze orange. I hear they are making some sort of blaze orange for horses too.

[Sweetpea]

Yeah, I have an orange vest for me and an orange mesh blanket that I use on my horse. That's good to know about Sunday, I'll try to keep to Sundays but it wont always work. It's a shame that hunting season is one of the best times to ride because its starting to get cool and pleasant. There was a woman in PA a few years ago that was in her CAR on a nearby road and she was shot by a hunter. I guess you never know what will happen.