Continued from Facebook post:

• Make noise—put a sleigh bell on your horse’s breast collar or your stirrups. Or you might sing or talk to your horse. Carry a whistle should you need to sound an alarm.
• Don’t ride alone—you’ll be more visible and make more noise if you go out with a buddy. If you do ride alone, it is always a good idea to let someone know where you’re going and when you will be back.
• Keep dogs safe—leave your dog at home during the hunting season. A wandering dog during this time is a tragic accident waiting to happen. Otherwise, orange vests for dogs help make them more visible.
• Carry a cell phone on you—not on your tack. If you and your horse part ways you’ll want your phone within reach, not heading down the trail.
• Choose your route–avoid riding in known hunting areas. Stay in open fields where you will be more visible. A horse traveling through the trees might be mistaken for an elk but is more obvious in the open.
• Avoid riding at peak hunting times—such as early morning or sunset. The lower light of dusk and dawn makes it more difficult for everyone to see.

While trail riding I have come across hunters and while this is un-nerving it is important to keep communications open and be friendly. I always talk with hunters, tell them my planned route and find out their plans. Most hunters are conscientious sportsmen who follow the rules. If we equestrians are respectful and courteous hopefully they will respond in kind. We are lucky enough to be able to enjoy our sport year-around but hunters only have the legal right to enjoy theirs for a relatively short time.
Stay safe.