Know what’s happening.
Check hunting seasons, scheduled hunts, and access restrictions for the exact property—not just statewide deer dates.
Hunting awareness for hikersShare the woods.
Share the woods.
Stand out.
Hunting and hiking can happen on the same public lands. Check your destination, know the restrictions, and make yourself visible.
Check before you hike →Check access first.
Wearing orange does not make a closed trail open. Follow posted restrictions and choose another route when necessary.
Three things to do before the trail.
Make orange visible.
Wear hunter orange where hunting may occur. Check the property’s clothing requirements; recommendations and legal rules are not identical everywhere.
Follow the signs.
Stay on open, designated trails. Respect gates, boundaries, safety zones, and temporary closures. Do not enter private land without permission.
Check your state. Then check your site.
These are starting points, not live trail conditions. Confirm your specific destination with the managing agency or property office before leaving.
Indiana
Rules vary by property. Some fish and wildlife areas restrict hiking locations during hunting seasons and recommend orange or other bright clothing.
DNR property rules ↗Hunting & trapping guide ↗
Kentucky
Wildlife management areas may have special access rules or quota hunts. Check the current hunter-orange requirements and site restrictions before visiting.
Public-land information ↗Hunting regulations ↗
Illinois
Some DNR sites close fully or partially during hunts. Review current closure notices and confirm access directly with the site.
DNR closures ↗Hunting regulations ↗
Your pre-hike pause
Ready starts here.
Use this quick checklist before heading out. If you cannot confirm access, contact the property office or select a different open destination.
This checklist is a planning aid—not permission to enter and not a guarantee of safety.
0 of 4 planning checks complete.