[at-l] hiking in hunting season

[phatcher@biopop.com]

TO: at-l-digest@saffron.hack.net


Gammara asked:
>
> How dangerous is it to be on the trail during hunting season. Has a   
hiker
ever
> been shot by accident by a hunter who mistook him for a deer or   
whatever?
Jim

My "hiker hunter" story:
I was on the North side of the Grayson Highlands area in October a few   
years ago.  Crossing Iron Mt. (going South) the trail passed directly   
beneath a big tree.  In that big tree was a big hunter with a big gun who   
looked down at us with very mad eyes for disturbing the wildlife.  (I   
guess we really should have respected his right to the trail and   
bushwhacked for a few miles . . . not).  That night we stayed near the   
trailhead at Rt. 16 (Fox Creek) and found many, many cars parked nearby.   
 The next morning we passed several hunters on the trail who were   
carrying packs, rifles, and (get this) Igloo coolers duct-taped to the   
top of their packs.  Upon further discussion, we found that the coolers   
contained several beers and 5ths on ice.  Once again, the combination of   
alcohol, guns, and the adrenaline rush of thinking there's a deer in the   
sights is not favorable.

Needless we hiked pretty fast that day.

 -Patrick "macman"   
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