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Safely and respectfully share the woods



Be sure to protect yourself and loved ones

protect yourself and others in the woods

With hunting and trapping season open now, DEC encourages outdoor enthusiasts to respectfully share the woods and follow commonsense safety precautions.?Most public lands in New York are open for multiple forms of recreation, meaning outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds will be sharing these lands. 

A hiker and their dog hiking partner resting on a log wearing blaze orange

Whether you are a hiker, hunter, nature photographer, mountain biker, or trapper, following a few simple measures can make your choice of recreation safe and enjoyable while sharing the outdoors.

  • Wear bright colors - especially during fall and winter. Pet owners are encouraged to have their dogs wear a blaze orange, pink, or another bright color vest or scarf.

  • Keep dogs on a leash on public lands.

  • Respect other outdoor recreators.


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