Fall sportsman 2015 16

FALL/WINTER 2015-16

Sportsman’s Guide • GET READY FOR THE HUNT • WATERFOWL NUMBERS UP • GUN SAFETY TIPS A PUBLICATION OF

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FILE PHOTO Sportsman’s Guide

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulations have changed; opening day shooting hours for the regular

duck season, for all duck hunting zones, now begin at a half hour before sunrise.

The state’s deer archery and waterfowl seasons opened in mid-September and hunters have been out in force looking to bag that prize trophy. Southeastern Wisconsin offers fantastic hunting spots for ducks and geese on its inland lakes and the state is known for its annual gun deer hunt, which will be Nov. 21 to 29 this year.

The Sportsman’s Guide has information and tips on hunting everything from geese to white tailed deer. When dealing with firearms, safety is the first and last thing hunters think about and the guide offers ways to keep everyone safe while on the hunt.

There’s also information about other fall sports such as hiking and horseback riding.

The 2015 Wisconsin Fall Hunting and Trapping Forecast is available to help as well.

Highlights for fall include electronic registration and updates to the FFLIGHT program – it has never been easier to find a place to hunt in Wisconsin.

“Whether you’re hunting game or fowl, this year’s forecast is a must read as you prepare to head out into the woods,” Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp said.

“Here at DNR, we are very passionate about our resources. The forecast is a great example of our efforts in making sure everyone in the field has a safe and successful experience.”

To view this year’s hunting and trapping forecast, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “forecast.”

Those in search of public hunting and trapping grounds are reminded to check out the department’s Public Access Lands atlas. The atlas includes all DNR properties, as well as nearly all federal and countyowned lands. You can download and print these maps free of charge from your home computer. For more information, search keyword “atlas.”

A Conservation Patron license provides all the basic fishing and hunting privileges

at a great price – $165 for Wisconsin residents, a price reduction of nearly onehalf when compared to the value for each item included. For Wisconsin residents under the age of 18, a Conservation Patron license costs only $75.

Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased through the Online Licensing Center on the DNR website, at all authorized license agents, and at DNR Service Centers (Hours for service centers vary; check the DNR website for service center days and hours of operation; DNR Service Centers are not open on Saturdays).

See Page 5 for a listing of this year’s hunting license fees.

DNR Customer Service staff is available to assist the public online and via phone from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

Spanish and Hmong bilingual customer service representatives are also available.

Customers may reach customer service at (888) WDNR INFO (936-7463) or by email at csweb@wisconsin.gov.

fall sportsman’s guide • fall/winter 2015-16

The hunt is on in Wisconsin

3

KEEP SOME HELPFUL TIPS IN MIND

to ensure another safe hunting season in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is one of the safest places in the world to hunt deer, and this is no accident, said recreational safety officials with the state Department of Natural Resources.

“Wisconsin has such a passion for deer hunting, and this passion extends from generation to generation,” DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp said. “Through hunter education programs and important lessons being passed down to younger hunters, Wisconsin continues to stand out as a great example of safe and ethical hunting.”

Experts trace the state’s culture of hunting safety to 1967, almost a half century ago, when the department launched a six-hour course stressing firearm safety. The course was voluntary, and while the impact was not momentous, the number of firearm injuries during the gun deer hunt began to slowly fall off.

Archery and Crossbow – In 1980, hunters were Sept. 12 to Jan. 3, 2016 Youth deer hunt – Oct. 10 required to wear blaze orange to 11 during gun deer hunts, and the Gun – Nov. 21-29 number of firearm incidents Muzzleloader – Nov. 30 to dropped more dramatically.

Dec. 9 Then, in 1985, an expanded December 4-day antlerless hunter education certification hunt – Dec. 10-13 program became mandatory for Gun hunt for hunters with all hunters in Wisconsin born or disabilities – Oct. 3 - 11 after Jan. 1, 1973.

All dates are subject to change through a rule The state’s ingrained hunter making or a legislative safety culture was created and process. Check the 2015 is sustained by the program’s Wisconsin Deer Hunting dedicated, experienced Regulations for a complete volunteer instructors who have set of dates and unit instilled skills, responsibility designations. and ethics in more than one million students. About 28,000 new students are trained each year.

In 1966 in Wisconsin, the hunting incident rate was 44 injuries for every 100,000 hunters. Now the rate, based on a 10-year-

DEER HUNT 2015 SEASONS

FILE PHOTO Sportsman’s Guide

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Last year’s nine-day gun deer hunt was the safest on record with three non-fatal shooting incidents reported.

Editor........................................... Tracy Ouellette Editorial Assistant............................ Sharon Soch Creative/Production Director.......... Sue Z. Lange Advertising Director................. Vicki Vanderwerff Special Sections Coordinator...... Karen Dubinsky

2015-16

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GER SAUNDERS Spor tsma

n’s Guide

average, is 4.04 incidents per 100,000 hunters, a reduction of more than 90 percent. Wisconsin has experienced five gun-deer seasons free of fatalities, (1972, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014). Last year’s nine-day gun hunt was the safest on record with only three non-fatal shooting incidents.

Conservation Warden Jon King, who leads the Hunter Education Program, said hunting in Wisconsin is a safe, fun activity for the entire family.

King credits the expanded course and outstanding instructors as the main factors behind Wisconsin’s safety record, but there are others.

“Trends in hunting patterns have changed,” King said. “There are fewer deer drives. The tendency is for gun hunters to go out and sit. It’s more like bow hunting, where you sit for a couple hours King is confident more incidents can be prevented by following these four basic principles of firearm safety – known as TAB-K (see related story on page 10).

For tree stand users, here are some easy tips to follow: • Always use a full-body harness; • Always unload your firearm while climbing into or out of the stand; and • Maintain three points of contact during the ascent or descent – two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.

Each deer drive should be planned in advance with safety as the top priority, King said. “Everyone involved in the drive should know and understand the plan.”

If you plan to participate in a deer drive: • Review the four firearm safety principles; • Reconfirm you have positively identified your target; • Reconfirm you have a safe backstop for your bullet; and • Review and stick to your hunting plan. Make sure all in the hunting party honor it.

“By keeping these tips in mind and being dedicated to using them, it will become second nature and safety becomes a reflex,” King said.

For more information regarding hunter education and tips for safe hunting in Wisconsin, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “safety tips.”

Cassandra Saunders poses with her first deer during the 2013 hunt in Polk County.

Wisconsin resident license costs Conservation Patron…$165 Conservation Patron Junior (age 12-17)…$75 Sports…$60 Sports Junior (age 12-17)…$35 (Includes general fishing, small game, deer with firearm.)

Gun deer…$24 (new buyer $5) Archery…$24 (new buyer $5) Junior Gun Deer (age 12-17)…$20 Junior Archery (age 12-17)…$20 Herd Control Antlerless Deer Carcass Tag…One free with license Additional Herd Control Antlerless Deer Carcass Tag…$5 Unit Specific Antlerless Deer Carcass Tag…$12 Effective dates All hunting licenses are effective immediately after purchase and with the opening of the specific seasons.

Gun and archery deer licenses may be purchased before and during any open deer season.

All 2015 deer hunting licenses expires on March 31, 2016.

Hunter education requirements Persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must present their Wisconsin Hunter Education certificate or proof of a hunter safety course recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources from another state, province or country), previous year’s Wisconsin hunting license, or proof of successful completion of basic training in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guard to purchase any hunting license.

A certificate of successful completion of a Bow Hunter Education Course can be used to purchase an archery license.

For course information, visit the website at dnr. wi.gov.

fall sportsman’s guide • fall/winter 2015-16

• SAFE HUNTING – from page 4

5

Department of Natural Resources officials say game bird brood production was up this year and should lead to a successful hunt. The numbers for ruffed grouse, pheasant and wild turkey are up over last year’s counts.

FILE PHOTO Sportsman’s Guide

Game bird brood production fall sportsman’s guide • fall/winter 2015-16

SEES INCREASE FROM 2014 LEVELS

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The numbers are looking good for ruffed grouse, pheasant and wild turkey breeding and nesting conditions in Wisconsin this year, according to state wildlife officials who attribute it to more normal winter conditions for temperature and snowfall during the winter of 2014-15, combined with a slightly earlier-than-normal spring green-up.

Average temperature and precipitation during the month of June led to normal nesting and early brood-rearing conditions for Wisconsin’s game bird species – this may have led to an increase in brood production for pheasants, ruffed grouse and wild turkey.

“Brood production surveys for ruffed grouse, pheasants and turkeys were conducted during June, July and August by DNR staff as they went about their normal

work duties,” said Brian Dhuey, wildlife survey coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “These data are still preliminary and may change, but they can be used as an index to production and help to forecast fall hunting prospects.”

Dhuey said while most of the winter was below normal for temperature and snowfall, a lack of heavy snow cover may have led to an early spring green-up.

Timing of spring green-up can affect game bird survival and physical condition going into the breeding and nesting season and in turn effect brood survival.

Wisconsin’s 2015 brood-rearing conditions were average for temperature, with much of the state seeing temperatures close to average for the month of June and average to slightly below average for

July and August. Precipitation was close to normal, with no large or prolonged rain events followed by cold weather.

Early June weather is the most critical for turkey, pheasant and grouse broods - this is when recently hatched chicks are most susceptible to hypothermia if they get wet. Weather during July and August was excellent for brood-rearing and survival.

Ruffed grouse Statewide, ruffed grouse broods seen per observer-hour increased 18 percent compared to 2014 levels. Ruffed grouse production was up 132 percent in the central region and 20 percent in the northern region – these areas compose twothirds of primary range for ruffed grouse in • See GAME BIRD – Page 11

Horseback riding is one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors. If just taking up the activity, lessons are a good investment.

Horseback riding tips for beginners Fall is a great time to pick up a new hobby, such as horseback riding. The popular recreational pursuit has been a favored mode of transportation on working farms and ranches for centuries, but has become mainstream in all walks of life.

Many people have grown up around horses and are quite experienced with riding. Many others, however, have no such history. In order to prevent injury, novice riders must start with the basics.

People of all ages and abilities can mount a horse and enjoy the experience. Although horseback riding can be fun and exciting, it also can be a bit nerve-wracking for first-time riders.

While horseback riding is generally safe, whenever one is dealing with an animal of this size and height, the possibility for injury exists.

Beginning to ride involves some knowledge and planning.

Become acclimated to horses Start spending time around ranches and stables to become familiar with the size and mannerisms of horses. Experienced riders can point out cues in body language that indicate whether a horse is pleased or skittish.

Understanding equine body language can make it easier to successfully interact with the horse. For example, ears positioned forward generally indicate a horse is relaxed. When the ears are pinned backwards, this could be a sign of aggression.

Take lessons Begin with a reputable and experienced riding instructor. In the United States, instructors must be certified by the American Riding Instructors Association.

Learn good horsemanship This involves much more than just being able to mount and ride. Learn how to put tack on the horse and how to clean and store equipment after use.

In addition, learn how to properly groom the horse, which can be a special bonding time between human and horse. This also gives you the opportunity to assess the animal for any injuries or discomfort both before and after riding.

Earn the trust of the horse Show up early to the stable and ask if you can feed and water the horse. This will help solidify the bond you have with the animal.

The more opportunities a horse has to become acclimated with you, the better the two of you can read each other’s signals and the more cohesively you will work together.

Try to keep emotions in check A horse will sense how you are feeling. If you are calm, the horse is more likely to be • See HORSEBACK RIDING – Page 12

Area horseback riding stables Andelain Farm 16800 – 104th Street Bristol (262) 857-2867 Angela’s Equine Solutions Rolling Oaks Farms 29211 41st Street Salem angelasequinesolutions.com B Bar J Ranch 8622 60th Street Kenosha (262) 654-0246 Dan Patch Stables 2036 Grand Geneva Way Lake Geneva (262) 215-5303 www.danpatchstables.com Diettrich Farm Horse Boarding and Lessons 2903-264th Avenue Salem (262) 537-2827 Fantasy Hills Ranch 4978 Town Hall Road Delavan, (262) 728-1773 www.fantasyhillsranch.com • See STABLES – Page 12

fall sportsman’s guide • fall/winter 2015-16

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fall sportsman’s guide • fall/winter 2015-16

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Duck hunting in the Wisconsin South Zone runs Oct. 3 to Oct. 11 and Oct. 17 to Dec. 6. The daily bag limit is six ducks, with no more than four mallards (only one may be a hen), three wood ducks, one black duck, two redheads, three scaup, two pintail and two canvasback.

Waterfowl and regular season Canada goose hunts are open Regular season Canada goose hunting in the Exterior and Horicon zones opened Sept. 16.

Regular goose season With resident Canada goose breeding numbers similar to recent years and average production of the Ontario breeders, hunters should have ample opportunities this year, and will again enjoy a full 92 days of hunting in the Exterior zone with a two bird daily bag limit.

“When combined with the 15 days of the early season, this puts Wisconsin at 107 days of Canada goose hunting, and the maximum season length allowed by federal law,” said Kent Van Horn, migratory game bird ecologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources .

Exterior Zone Canada goose season structure is as follows: • Northern Zone – Sept. 16 to Dec. 16; • Southern Zone – Sept. 16 to Oct. 11 and Oct. 17 to Dec. 21; and • Mississippi River Subzone – Oct. 3Oct. 9 and Oct. 17- Jan. 7, 2016.

Hunters should note that the goose season is closed during the duck season

split in both the South Zone (closed Oct. 12-16) and Mississippi River Subzone (closed Oct. 10-16).

The Horicon Zone Canada goose season structure is as follows: • H1 – Sept. 16 to Nov. 1; and • H2 – Nov. 2 to Dec. 16.

The daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Horicon Zone remains at two. In 2014, the season harvest limit in this zone was increased to 12 total Canada geese. It is important to remember that locations west of Hwy 73 and north of Hwy 23 are no longer part of the Horicon Zone, but rather part of the Exterior Zone.

Goose reporting requirements were changed in 2014 for the Horicon Zone, permits require the hunter who harvested the goose to punch/slit the permit for the date of kill (the total may not exceed the season limit). In addition to the early goose season and Exterior Zone, Horicon Zone hunters are also required to report each goose harvested within the Horicon Zone within 48 hours of kill by calling (800) • See WATERFOWL – Page 10

fall sportsman’s guide • fall/winter 2015-16

Duck, duck, goose

DNR FILE PHOTO Sportsman’s Guide

9

• WATERFOWL – from page 9

99-GOOSE (994-6673).

Duck hunting The cost of the federal duck stamp is now $25. The $10 increase in cost was suggested and supported by waterfowl hunters nationwide. There has not been an increase in the federal waterfowl stamp since the 1990s – the increase will help protect additional upland and wetland waterfowl habitat.

For more information regarding waterfowl hunting in Wisconsin, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “waterfowl management.” Several federal agencies are working in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to collect samples related to the research and surveillance of avian influenza in wild birds. This surveillance will help monitor for the virus during fall migration.

Wild birds from targeted areas throughout the state will be

sampled between now and spring 2016.

Bird flu Avian influenza is a viral disease common in wild bird populations with many different subtypes – most do not cause obvious signs of disease in wild birds or have the ability to infect animals other than birds. While strains currently detected in the United States have caused mortality of domestic birds, they have not resulted in any illness in humans.

Samples will be collected from live-captured birds during DNR banding efforts and from hunterharvested dabbling ducks, such as blue-winged teal, mallard, wood duck and Northern pintail.

Federal staff will also be located at boat landings and other hunter access points this fall to sample ducks from willing hunters.

To learn more, search keywords “bird diseases.”

Four basic rules of firearm safety As you join thousands of hunters heading into the woods, fields and marshes during the fall hunting seasons, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources safety experts remind you to review and think about firearm safety each and every time you head out.

Essential to any responsible hunting trip is an ironclad adherence to the four basic rules of firearm safety that can be easily remembered using the TAB-K formula.

T A

– Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Never assume a firearm is unloaded and never treat it that way, even if you watch as it is unloaded. Make it a habit to treat guns like they are loaded all the time.

– Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

About one third of all hunting incidents are self-inflicted injuries. That means the muzzle was pointed at some part of the hunter’s body. A safe direction is a direction where the bullet will travel and harm no one in the event of an unwanted discharge.

There are no accidental discharges with firearms, only unwanted discharges.

B

– Be certain of your target and what’s beyond it.

Positive target identification is a must. To shoot at something you only think is a legal target is gambling. In the case of human injury, that means gambling with human life.

You must be absolutely certain and correct in judgment before deciding to shoot. Otherwise, it’s reckless behavior. In addition to identifying the target, a hunter must know that a safe backstop for their bullet is present in every shooting situation.

We don’t always hit our target, and, in some cases, the bullet passes through the target. A safe backstop guarantees that no one will get hurt.

fall sportsman’s guide • fall/winter 2015-16

K

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FILE PHOTO Sportsman’s Guide

Dogs are often used to retrieve ducks from lakes and marsh areas during the hunting season.

– Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot. If a hunter stumbles with a firearm in one hand and nothing in the other, whatever that person does with their free hand will automatically happen with the hand holding the gun. If a finger is inside the trigger guard, that hand is likely going to close around the pistol grip of the gun and on the trigger causing an unwanted discharge.

Planning your fall hunting trip also means having your gear in proper working order. Firearms should be cleaned and closely inspected for any signs of mechanical wear that could result in a problem in the field.

Firearms aren’t the only items that need to be checked well in advance of a hunting trip. Clothing and other equipment should also be inspected for signs of wear and tear. Anything that might cause you to compromise safety should be repaired, discarded or replaced.

Blaze orange clothing that has faded over time, a jacket that doesn’t fit right or a scope that isn’t adjusted correctly can compromise your safety and the safety of others.

• GAME BIRD – from page 6

Pheasant The number of pheasant broods seen per observer-hour was up 67 percent in 2015 compared to last year. Pheasant production was up in both the primary (41 percent)

and secondary (47 percent) pheasant range compared to 2014 levels. However, pheasant brood size was down, with an average of 4 young per brood in 2015 in comparison to 4.9 in 2014.

“While pheasant brood numbers have rebounded in 2014 and 2015, overall breeding numbers have been declining for several years and overall pheasant numbers are down from the highs of the 1990s,” said Dhuey. “While brood-rearing conditions saw an improvement in 2015 compared to 2014, overall pheasant numbers are likely impacted by declining grassland habitat due to losses in Conservation Reserve Program enrollment and increases in commodity prices throughout the pheasant range.”

The pheasant season opens statewide Oct. 17 at noon. For more information regarding pheasants in Wisconsin, search keyword “pheasant.”

Turkey Wild turkeys saw a nine percent increase in the number of broods seen per observerhour, while brood size experienced an overall decrease in 2015.

Four of the five turkey regions saw

Korey Kuehni, Proprietor/Technician

an increase in observation rate in 2015 compared 2014, with the largest changes occurring in the south-central (196 percent increase), southeast (195 increase), western (43 percent increase), and northern regions (0.2 percent increase), while the northeast region experienced a 43 percent decrease.

The statewide wild turkey observation rate was 14 percent below the long-term mean, and average brood size in 2015 was 4.3 young per brood (down slightly from the 4.5 young per brood seen in 2014).

“Winter conditions in the forested central and northern regions were more normal compared to the past two years of harsh winter weather, which may have caused increased mortality and/ or decreased production in the following spring,” Dhuey said.

Fall turkey permits have been issued via mail, and leftover tags went on sale beginning Aug. 22. Hunters can view remaining fall permit availability on the DNR website.

The fall turkey season opened statewide in all zones on Sept. 12.

For more information regarding wild turkeys in Wisconsin, search keyword “turkey.”

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Wisconsin.

Ruffed grouse production declined 41 percent in the southwestern region.

Overall, ruffed grouse brood size rose from 4.1 young per brood in 2014 to 4.2 in 2015.

“Breeding grouse numbers were down slightly this spring, while brood production in the primary ruffed grouse range showed a notable increase,” said Dhuey. “Ruffed grouse are currently in their cyclic low period, and while an increase in production is a positive sign, it will likely still be a few years until Wisconsin is at its cyclic high.

While some areas of the primary ruffed grouse range will be better than others, it appears that ruffed grouse numbers will be similar or slightly better than last year.”

The ruffed grouse season opened in the zone comprising their primary range, Zone A, on Sept. 12.

For more information regarding ruffed grouse in Wisconsin, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “ruffed grouse.”

11

• HORSEBACK RIDING – from page 7

calm, while a nervous rider or one who lacks confidence might make the horse nervous as well.

Dress appropriately for riding Beginners who aren’t sure if they will continue riding long-term should not invest in expensive riding clothes.

A long pair of jeans or other pants that cover the legs and a decent pair of boots will be enough.

Beginners should also wear a safety helmet.

Ride in an open area When starting out, you will have to learn how to move the reins to steer and use your feet to guide the horse. Therefore, ride in an open area away from trees or fences so that there are no incidences of bumping into obstacles.

Take heed of a few safety tips Never stand directly in front of a horse, as this is a blind spot. Similarly, never stand behind a horse or you risk being kicked.

Remain calm around a horse and don’t run up to one or he or she may spook.

Horses can be unpredictable; therefore, do not let your guard down.

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• STABLES – from page 7

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Franksville (414) 379-2314

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Hidden Lake Stables 1808 128th Street Pleasant Prairie (262) 942-9702

Rafter Lazy E Boarding and Training Stables 19808 60th Street Bristol (262) 857-6899

Keno Riding Stables 27700 – 31st Street Salem (262) 537-2421

Silverwood Farm 28426 98th Street Camp Lake www.silverwoodfarm.net

Sunflower Farms 19000 128th Street Bristol (262) 857-8555 www.sunflowerfarms.com

Meadowsweet Ranch 8118 Wilmot Road

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The terrain can become treacherous when hiking. Take things slow when footing is uncertain and use a walking stick if needed.

FILE PHOTO Sportsman’s Guide

Hike the trails this fall

Never hike alone Many outdoor enthusiasts enjoy escaping from the daily grind and getting some alone time with Mother Nature. While some outdoor activities can be safely enjoyed alone, others, including hiking, should never be done

without a friend in tow.

There are numerous benefits to hiking in pairs or groups, not the least of which is having someone there to go for help should anyone suffer an injury on the trails. When hiking with a group or even with only a friend, make sure no one hikes faster than the slowest hiker. This ensures that no one will get lost and that each hiker has someone there to seek help should an accident or injury occur.

Share your itinerary Even if you are hiking with others, it’s best to share your itinerary with someone who is not joining you on your trip. This way someone can alert authorities to you, and your fellow hikers’ direction if you get lost on a trail and cannot find your way out.

When sharing your itinerary, share your schedule as well, telling friends who are staying behind to alert the authorities if you do not return or make direct contact with them by a given time.

Start early Embarking on a hike early is beneficial in a variety of ways. Nature is beautiful at all times of the day, but part of the joy of hiking is taking in all of the beautiful landscapes, which are easier to see during daylight hours than at night. Hiking during the day is also

safer, as it’s easier for hikers to make their way on trails when they can see where they’re going than at night, when many hiking trails are cloaked in darkness.

Scavenging animals also may be more prevalent after sundown. Finally, hiking also is legal during daylight hours, whereas many parks ban hiking once the sun goes down.

Know the forecast When planning a hiking trip, know the weather forecast for the day or days you plan to hike. Expect cooler temperatures, even if the forecast is calling for a beautiful warm day. Hiking trails are often surrounded by tall trees, which makes it difficult for warm sunlight to illuminate trails and warm up hikers. So pack an extra jacket or coat, ideally a raincoat that can serve double duty should it start to rain.

Carry water and snacks Staying hydrated can make a long or challenging hike easier on your muscles, so be sure to bring plenty of water, which also can quench your thirst throughout your hike.

Bring some snacks along as well. Snacks should provide you with energy to continue your hike, so leave behind snacks like potato chips or pretzels and pack your bags with fresh fruit, granola, protein bars, or trail mix.

(METRO CREATIVE)

fall sportsman’s guide • fall/winter 2015-16

State parks are great places for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy some of their favorite activities. Many such parks allow visitors to camp out after a day spent rafting or kayaking on the water, making these locales the ideal vacation spots for families or groups of friends who share a love of the great outdoors.

Hiking is among the more popular activities enjoyed at parks across the globe.

Hikers of all ages and skill levels can enjoy trails of varying degrees of difficulty, all the while taking in picturesque landscapes that often cannot be found in developed urban and suburban areas.

But as much as hiking can be enjoyed even by novice outdoor enthusiasts, this rewarding activity also can be dangerous.

Hikers often find themselves in remote locations where cellular phone signals tend to be weak, which can be troublesome, even when hiking in relatively crowded parks.

That’s why it’s important to take the following precautionary measures when hiking:

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STAY SAFE While summer is all about sun, beaches and being on the water, autumn brings new types of outdoor fun.

Cooler weather and colorful landscapes attract many to enjoy the outdoors during the season. But after the summer sun fades, it’s important to make sure you’re fully prepared to take on the new season.

If you’re a fall recreation enthusiast, take some time to create a checklist of the items you’ll need to take care of before you dash off on your autumn adventures. Whether you’re planning a fall camping trip or simply hanging around at home, this season can be a bit unpredictable.

Stay safe, comfortable and productive during the fall with these helpful tips: Make a plan Fall is a busy season for everyone, so take a moment to map out your weeks and create a solid plan. You’re much more likely to fit in all your fun fall activities when you plan them according to your todo list. From yard work to hunting trips, make a rough plan so you know exactly what you have going on each week.

Do your research If you’re going out and about this fall, educate yourself and become familiar with the local area. This will help you be aware of any surprises that might come up including poisonous plants, dangerous animals and bugs. It’s always a good idea to take a map and compass along, even if you will mostly be using a smart phone.

Gear up Before the season begins, take inventory of all your recreational gear. Is there anything that needs replacing or repair?

From camping supplies to leaf blowers, check all your autumn materials. Consider some new equipment to enhance your fall activities, like a Polaris RANGER Utility Vehicle. A utility vehicle not only helps you transport your recreational gear, but will help you tackle tough jobs in your yard.

Watch the weather Fall weather changes quickly and each day is different from the next. Always check the forecast before you go out. Don’t be fooled by warm weather, as it can turn

during autumn adventures chilly at a moment’s notice. Layering is your best bet to withstand the unpredictable fall temperatures.

Stock up on firewood Once autumn hits, dry firewood can become scarce. Make sure your collection is fully stocked to enjoy fires well into season, especially as the weather starts to cool down. If you’re headed out camping, pack your own wood so you don’t have to risk skipping out on a warm, toasty fire.

Dress for visibility Even if you’re not a hunter, make yourself visible when you’re outside or in an area where hunters frequent. Wear colors that stand out like bright fluorescent red, orange and green. Stay away from earth or animal colored outerwear. Don’t forget to protect everyone with you, even your dog.

Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to a safe and memorable fall season, free of injury and full of enjoyment. For more fun recreational inspiration, visit polaris.com.

(BPT)

fall sportsman’s guide • fall/winter 2015-16

Fall weather can be unpredictable, be sure to check the forecast before heading out on that next autumn adventure.

14

FILE PHOTO Sportsman’s Guide

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