N.C. Forest Service reminds public of increased wildfire risk, urges caution with outdoor burning

(Jones Gap Fire on October 29, 2016. Photo by Bobby Coggins)

RALEIGH – As fall wildfire season begins in North Carolina, the N.C. Forest Service is urging the public to take extra care with outdoor burning. Wildfire activity typically increases from October through early December, when falling leaves, dry vegetation and changing weather conditions can allow fires to spread quickly.

“Most wildfires in this state are preventable,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Human activity continues to be responsible for more than 99% of wildfires in North Carolina, making individual actions one of our most important tools for preventing wildfires. Before you burn, take simple steps to keep your backyard fire in your backyard.”

For safe burning practices to help prevent wildfire, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following guidance:

CHECK.

• Check for burn bans or fire restrictions in your area.
• Check the weather. Never burn on dry or windy days.
• Make sure you have a valid burn permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online.  

PREPARE.

• Clear the area you intend to burn. Remove leaves, pine needles and other flammable material from around your burn area.
• Keep your fire small, not tall.
• Remember, it is illegal to burn anything other than natural vegetation.
• Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. Keep tools, a water source and a cellphone nearby.
• Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up burning.
• STAY.
• Never leave your fire. Stay with it until it is completely out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
• Drown, stir, drown, feel. Douse burning charcoal briquettes, campfires or burn piles thoroughly with water. Drown all embers, not just the red ones. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch. If you do not have water, mix enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire, being careful not to bury the fire.
• Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.

“For communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene, wildfire prevention remains especially important,” Troxler added. “Storm-damaged forests have additional fuel on the ground, making it even more critical to use caution when burning and to avoid activities that could spark a wildfire.”

Outdoor burning isn’t the only way a wildfire can start. Remember these prevention tips:

• Use extreme caution when handling machinery and equipment that can create sparks or heat.
• Properly secure trailer chains so they don’t drag and throw sparks.
• Discard cigarette butts, matches and other flammable materials in appropriate containers.

Use the N.C. Forest Service website to learn more about how to prepare for and prevent wildfires. If in doubt, contact your N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office.  

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NC Forest Service Cancels Burn Permits, Issues Burn Ban Effective 6pm 03-28-2026

RALEIGH – Due to increased wildfire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28 until further notice.  

“With drought severity across the state, forecast fire weather and the potential for limited rainfall, it is critical to reduce the number of new fire starts,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Vegetative fuels will dry rapidly, and with the amount of fuel loading in the mountains and drought impacts statewide, a burn ban for all 100 counties is necessary to reduce the number of wildfires across our landscape. Please follow this burn ban to help reduce the risk for everyone.” 

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning statewide, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire. 

The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The local fire marshal has authority to issue a burn ban within those 100 feet.

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban. 

The N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions. Residents with questions regarding a specific county can contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office.   

Answers to FAQ 

Q: What is open burning? 

A: Open burning includes burning leaves, branches or other plant material. In all cases, burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is illegal. 

Q: May I still use my grill or barbecue? 

A: Yes, if no other local ordinances prohibit their use. 

Q: Can I still use my fire pit or fireplace outdoors? 

A: More than 100 feet from an occupied dwelling, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and burning barrels are considered open burning and are subject to the burn ban. Within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning. All local outdoor burning bans are set independently. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of this ban, and they have been asked to also consider implementing a burn ban. Check with county fire marshals about local restrictions. 

Q: Can I have a campfire when I go camping? 

A: Campfires would be considered open burning and are not exempt from the burn ban. During a burn ban, portable gas stoves or grills are alternate methods for cooking food while camping. 

Q: Can I use fireworks during a burn ban? 

A: Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited during a burn ban and are not allowed in any county while the burn ban is in effect.

Q: How should I report a wildfire? 

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire. 

 

Q: How should I report a person who intentionally starts a wildfire? 

A: Call 911 to report a wildfire. 

 

Q: My local fire marshal has also issued a burn ban for my county. What does this mean? 

A: The burn ban issued by the N.C. Forest service does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local government agencies have jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The N.C. Forest Service has advised county fire marshals of the burning ban and has asked for their consideration of also implementing a burning ban. If a fire within a 100-foot area of a dwelling escapes containment, a North Carolina forest ranger may take reasonable steps to extinguish or control it. The person responsible for setting the fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire. 

Q: Are there other instances which impact open burning? 

A: Local ordinances and air quality regulations may impact open burning. For instance, outdoor burning is prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts. Learn more about air quality forecasts on the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s website.  

Q: What can I do to protect my house against the risk of wildfire?

A: Learn about wildfire risk assessments, preparedness and prevention plans on the following N.C. Forest Service webpages: Wildland Urban Interface and Resist Wildfire.

Fore more information, please visit https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service/fire-control-and-prevention/sit-report 

#WNCscan #MaconTraffic #MaconSafety #2026wildfires

Saturday 03-28-2026

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N.C. Forest Service Urging Diligence, Best Practices and Common Sense When Burning Outdoors

Photo of the Tellico Fire in Macon County. Taken by Bobby Coggins on November 11, 2016. All Rights Reserved.

 From the NC Forest Service:

RALEIGH – March signals the beginning of spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and the N.C. Forest Service is urging residents to be diligent about using best practices and common sense with all outdoor fires, especially yard debris burns.

Western North Carolina counties dealing with significant storm debris from Hurricane Helene are especially vulnerable to wildfires due to increased fuel loading from downed timber.

“We reduce our wildfire risk by working together,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “When it comes to wildfire response this time of year, the N.C. Forest Service is at the ready, prepositioning resources as needed. We need you to be prepared and ready for wildfire. Understand that you’re not powerless when it comes to wildfire prevention and risk reduction. Everyone has a role to play, starting with making good decisions and planning ahead if you intend to start a fire.”

Escaped yard debris burns, often due to carelessness, continue to be the leading cause of wildfires across the state, accounting for nearly half of all wildfires in North Carolina. In general, human activity is responsible for 99% of wildfires, and spring weather tends to draw people outdoors to work in their yards with many choosing to burn as a method to dispose of leaves, limbs and other yard debris.

“Careless behaviors, such as burning on the wrong day, leaving a fire unattended, not staying with a fire until it is fully extinguished, can result in a fire escaping and becoming a dangerous wildfire that quickly threatens lives and property,” said N.C. Forest Service Assistant Commissioner and State Forester Greg Hicks. “Your N.C. Forest Service county ranger is a great resource for recommending best practices and guidance about when, where and how to burn safely outdoors.”

Before starting an outdoor fire, contact your local NCFS county ranger’s office. The N.C. Forest Service also offers the following tips:

• Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
• Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
• Keep an eye on the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
• Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
• Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
• Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
• Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
• These same tips apply to campfires and grills as well. Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. Drown all embers, not just the red ones. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch. If you do not have water, mix enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire, being careful not to bury the fire. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.

     

To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, refer to Fire Safety Outdoors. For information about creating defensible space and a fire-resistant landscape around your home and property, visit www.resistwildfirenc.org. Contact information for county rangers with the N.C. Forest Service is available online at www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.

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With fall wildfire season underway in North Carolina, Forest Service agencies urging the public to use caution

Logos modified my MaconMedia.com

 

PRESS RELEASE (10-13-2022)

NATIONAL FORESTS IN NORTH CAROLINA

RALEIGH, NC (October 10, 2022) – With the impending arrival of fall wildfire season, the USDA Forest Service and N.C. Forest Service are reminding the public to exercise caution when engaging in recreational burning.

Peak months for the fall fire season run from October through early December and fires left unattended can get out of hand quickly, becoming wildfires that may threaten lives and property. Escaped fires due to careless backyard burning continue to be the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina.

“Fall weather and the beautiful changing foliage in North Carolina draws people outdoors to take in activities such as camping, hiking or working in their yards to dispose of leaves and other yard debris,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “When choosing to build a campfire, grill out in your yard or eliminate leaves by burning, it is important that you remain vigilant and safe with any outdoor fire to protect our forests. You are our best defense against wildfires.”

For fiscal year 2021-2022 there were 6,887 wildfires that burned 26,958 acres in North Carolina. Only 1% of those wildfires were directly linked to a natural ignition source such as lightning. The other 99% of wildfires during that span were directly related to human activity. Some of the state’s most intense wildfires during the fall of 2021 were caused by escaped campfires.

In November 2021, the Sauratown Mountain Fire in Stokes County burned more than 40 acres but required 16 days to control and fully contain due to the steep and difficult terrain. Shortly after on Nov. 27, 2021, the Grindstone Fire, the largest wildfire during North Carolina’s 2021 fall wildfire season, ignited at Pilot Mountain State Park in Surry County and eventually burned 1,050 acres. Both incidents were caused by escaped campfires.

For those who choose to burn, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips:

• Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at https://www.ncforestservice.gov/burn_permits/burn_permits_main.htm.
• Don’t burn on dry, windy days.
• Keep your fire small, not tall.
• Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
• Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up burning.
• Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. Drown all embers, not just the red ones. When soaked, stir the coals and soak them again. Make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch. If you do not have water, mix enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire, being careful not to bury the fire. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.
• Never leave your fire. Stay with it until it is completely out.

The USDA Forest Service offers the following guidelines for safely extinguishing campfires and helping to prevent wildfires:

• Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
• Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones.
• Pour until the hissing sound stops.
• Stir campfire ashes and embers with a shovel.
• Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers.
• Stir and make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch.
• If you do not have water, use dirt. Pour dirt or sand on the fire, mixing enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire.
• Continue adding or stirring until all remaining material is cool.
• Do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.

“Always exercise caution with any outdoor burning. Even when burn bans are not in effect, weather conditions may not be favorable for outdoor fires,” Troxler said. “Outdoor burning is discouraged during periods of low humidity or high winds.”

Studies have shown that taking these and other measures can reduce the possibility of wildfires. To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, visit www.ncforestservice.gov and www.smokeybear.com. For more information and tips to help create a defensible space around your home and protect your property from wildfire, visit www.resistwildfirenc.org.

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Think before burning yard debris during spring wildfire season

Photo taken at the Camp Branch Fire on 11-28-2016 by Bobby Coggins 

  As you are all probably aware, we are in the spring fire season, where dry conditions and low humidity can mix with wind gusts to cause fires to get out of control in a hurry. Please be aware of the forecasts and check with your local ranger or obtain a burning permit online before burning debris or yard waste. [LINK]

Here is a press release from the NC Forest Service reminding us of the dangers of burning when conditions are favorable for fire spread.

PRESS RELEASE

NC FOREST SERVICE

RALEIGH - In North Carolina, March through May is historically recognised as spring wildfire season, a period when conditions are more favorable for wildfire. As residents begin working in their yards, the N.C. Forest Service urges them to think before burning yard debris.

“Every year, almost 40% of wildfires in North Carolina are the result of careless debris burning,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “To protect ourselves and our forestland from wildfire, we have to be responsible and vigilant. Check the weather. Make sure you’re prepared to burn before you do. Never leave a debris fire unattended, and always have a water source and phone nearby in case you need them.”

There are many factors to consider before burning yard debris. The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents to contact their local county forest ranger for technical advice and options to help ensure the safety of people, property and the forest. To find contact information for your local NCFS county ranger, visit www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.

The NC Forest Service offers the following tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

• Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned, but used for compost or mulch instead.
• Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
• Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any open authorized permitting agent or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
• Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires. Keep your pile small, not tall.
• Stay informed about the weather and possible weather changes. Postpone outdoor burning during high winds or gusts, or periods of low relative humidity. Even if you have a valid permit, stop burning if strong winds develop.
• Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake, and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
• Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
• Stay with your fire until it is completely out.

To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and property damage or loss, visit www.ncforestservice.gov. To learn more about actions you can take to prepare your home and property for wildfire, visit www.resistwildfirenc.org.

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Published at 11:00am on Tuesday, March 09, 2021

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Ahead of expected busy fall wildfire season, fire officials urge caution and offer tips for prevention

Joint Press Release
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
North Carolina Forest Service
USDA Forest Service

Asheville, NC - October 7, 2019 - As we enter the start of the fall wildfire season, the N.C. Forest Service and the USDA Forest Service urge visitors and North Carolinians to be cautious with campfires and when burning yard debris. This reminder coincides with National Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 6-12.

The fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December, the time of year when people do a lot of yard work that may include burning leaves and yard debris. The leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina is debris burning. When left unattended, debris fires can escape and start wildfires.

"We will not forget the 2016 fall wildfire season that burned more than 59,511 acres across North Carolina," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "As we head into this fall fire season facing similarly dry weather conditions, let's remember that each of us can do our part to avoid to prevent wildfires. It is important to exercise extreme caution while burning debris of any kind."

There are many factors to consider before burning debris. The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents to contact their local county forest ranger before burning debris. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help ensure the safety of people, property and the forest. To find contact information for your local county ranger, visit www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.

For people who choose to burn debris, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

• Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned, but used for mulch instead.
• Check local burning laws. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
• Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or authorized permitting agent, or online at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
• Keep an eye on the weather. Don't burn on dry, windy days.
• Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don't pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle away from overhead branches and wires.
• Household trash should be hauled away to a trash or recycling station. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard debris.
• Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
• Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
• Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
• Burning agricultural residue and forestland litter: In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your county ranger, who will weigh all factors, explain them and offer technical advice.

The USDA Forest Service also reminds campers to be cautious when burning campfires. Use existing fire rings if possible and clear a safe area around them of at least 15 feet. Never leave campfires unattended, and ensure they are completely out before leaving.

The U.S. Forest Service offers the following guidelines for safely extinguishing campfires and helping to prevent wildfires:

• Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
• Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones.
• Pour until the hissing sound stops.
• Stir campfire ashes and embers with a shovel.
• Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers.
• Stir and make sure everything is wet and that embers are cold to the touch.
• If you do not have water, use dirt. Pour dirt or sand on the fire, mixing enough dirt or sand with the embers to extinguish the fire.
• Continue adding or stirring until all remaining material is cool.
• Do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.

Always exercise caution with any outdoor burning. Even when burn bans are not in effect, weather conditions may not be favorable for outdoor fires. Outdoor burning is discouraged during periods of low humidity or high winds.

Studies have shown that taking these and other measures can reduce the possibility of wildfires. To learn more about fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, visit www.ncforestservice.gov and www.smokeythebear.com.

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Published at 2:50pm on Monday, October 7, 2019

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US and NC Forest Service to conduct burns today

Press Release
For Immediate Release
Macon County Emergency Management
March 7, 2016
Todd Seagle, 911 Communications Supervisor

The USFS will be conducting two prescribed burns today. They will be burning 1,000 acres in the Nantahala community near USFS road 711. They will also be burning 800 acres in North Georgia close to the state line near the Scaly Mountian/Sky Valley community. The NCFS will conduct a prescribed burn of approximately 100 acres in the Otto community and the NCWRC will be conducting a prescribed burn of 200 acres in the Needmore community in northern Macon County. With winds predicted to be out of the southwest today, it is a possibility that these control burns will be seen and directly affect the Franklin, Highlands, and Otto areas of Macon County.

The Macon County 911 Center would like to ask that residents refrain from calling 911 to report these control burns as wildfires or to inquire as to the source of the smoke. As always, residents should continue to report emergency situations they believe to be threatening life or property.

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Sustainable trail work to start on the Upper Chattooga Wild and Scenic River

PRESS RELEASE
National Forests in North Carolina
160A Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801
Mike Wilkins (828) 524-6441
January 8, 2016

Gainesville, Ga. (January 8, 2016) - Beginning in December 2015, forest visitors may notice new signage and trail work at some access sites on the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River. These improvements are part of the continuing implementation of the 2012 Chattooga River final decisions.

"Boaters, hikers and fisherman alike will now have designated and safe access to this incredible resource" said Nantahala District Ranger, Mike Wilkins. "We are pleased to protect the wild and scenic values of the river while providing sustainable trails, put-ins and take-outs."

Within the river corridor, the agency will implement sustainable river access trails for boaters and other forest visitors at the following locations:

North Carolina: Nantahala Ranger District

• Greens Creek trail (put-in only), construct 0.28 miles of trail with access at the Greens Creek trail and Chattooga intersection.
• County Line trail (put-in and take out), designate and reconstruct 1.2 miles of an old road bed as a trail with access just downstream of Norton Mill Creek.
• Bullpen Bridge (put-in and take out), designate a river put-in less than 100 feet upstream of the bridge and construct and designate a short trail below the bridge.

Georgia: Chattooga RiverRanger District

• Burrell Ford Bridge(put-in and take-out), designate and reconstruct about 200 feet of trail,decommission two user-created trails and conduct maintenance work at the parking areato reduce sediment impacts on the river.

South Carolina: Andrew Pickens Ranger District

• Lick Log Creek (take-out only), construct and designate about 500 feet of new trail.

 "Work through out the river corridor  may take several seasons to complete" added Wilkins."Currently existing interim access points will remain open for use until work at the approved access sites is completed."

The final decisions do not reopen the 2012 final decision allowing boating in the upper segment ofthe Chattooga Wild and Scenic River, and boating in this corridor will still require a permit withregulations in place for seasons and flow. Additionally, all put-ins, take-outs and other access workis strictly limited to National Forest System lands.

For specific details on district final decisions, please contact the following individuals:

• North Carolina, Mike Wilkins at (828) 524-6441
• Georgia, Holly Krake at (770) 297-3095
• South Carolina, Gwyn Ingramat (803) 561-4007

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National Forests in North Carolina: Hunting is permitted on all National Forests in North Carolina

PRESS RELEASE

National Forests in North Carolina 160A Zillicoa St. Asheville, N.C. 28801

Be Aware - Hunting is permitted on all National Forests in North Carolina 

Outside of developed recreation areas, hunting is permitted throughout the National Forests in North Carolina. Hunters must have the proper licenses, or permits needed to hunt. Hunting is a seasonal activity and state regulations for seasons, dates and licensing apply on national forest land. For information about specific dates and times, please visit: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Hunting.aspx, or call the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at 919-707-0010.

Safety Tips for Non-hunters visiting the National Forests

• Wear bright clothing. Make yourself more visible. Choose colors that stand out, like red, orange or green, and avoid white, blacks, browns, earth-toned greens and animal-colored clothing. Orange vests and hats are advisable.
• Don't forget to protect your pet. Get an orange vest for your pet or bright colored scarf/bandana.
• Make noise. Whistle, sing or carry on a conversation as you walk to alert hunters to your presence. Sound carries well across mountain basins, and hunters should be listening for any sounds of animal movement.
• Be courteous. Once a hunter is aware of your presence, don't make unnecessary noise to disturb wildlife. Avoid confrontations.
• If you do hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters know that you are in the vicinity.
• Know when hunting seasons are. Continue to hike, but learn about where and when hunting is taking place.
• Know your own comfort level. If hunting makes you uneasy, choose a hike in a location where hunting is not allowed, such as a national park or a state park, or schedule your outings for Sundays.

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