Wear Bright Colors On Trails

Safety First: Wear Bright Colors on Trails

  • FYI

While fall, continuing into winter, is a favorite time to hit the trails for brisk walks in the woods, please remember it is also the beginning of hunting season, and that wearing bright colors is a good way to be visible and stay safe.

Peak hunting activity for small game and deer takes place through December, while duck, goose, and turkey season runs into January. The most active times for hunters are early mornings and late afternoons, as well as Saturdays and holidays. 

The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection urges trail users to:

  • Wear bright clothing to increase visibility. Avoid wearing grays, browns, tans, or whites. Hunters must wear 400 inches of fluorescent orange.
  • Place a bright orange vest on your dog.

There are additional ways to enhance safety and enjoyment on Avalonia preserves:

  • Familiarize yourself with our preserves that allow hunting (currently only the newly acquired Founders Preserve).
  • Restrict your hikes to established trails.
  • Make sure that dogs are leashed, as per Avalonia policy.  

For a list of public hunting areas in Connecticut, please visit the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection’s website where you can also find a complete guide to hunting in Connecticut.