Hiker Safety Tips During Colorado's Hunting Season
- IPWA
- Oct 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 23
Colorado's big game hunting season is held during the fall months, typically September through November. The majority of public lands are open to hunting, including the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas, surrounding national forest lands, and the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
It is important for non-hunters to be aware of hunting season dates and take extra precautions for safety. Understanding how to stay visible, avoid accidents, and respect hunting activities can make your outdoor experience safe and enjoyable. This guide offers practical safety tips for hikers to follow during hunting season.
Understand Hunting Season Dates & Hunting Practices
See the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website for current hunting season dates and information: https://cpw.state.co.us/activities/hunting/big-game
2025 Big game season dates:
Rifle bear season - Sept. 2-30, 2025
Archery season - Sept. 2-30, 2025
Muzzleloader season - Sept. 13-21, 2025
Rifle seasons
1st season - Oct. 15-19, 2025
2nd season - Oct. 25 to Nov. 2, 2025
3rd season - Nov. 8-16, 2025
4th season - Nov. 19-23, 2025
Knowing how hunters operate can help you avoid risky situations:
Distance Restriction: Firearms should not be discharged within 100 yards of trail or within 150 yards of developed sites, campsites, or residences. Hunters should not shoot across, from, or on a road or trail.
Safety Zone: Hunters should always have a solid, earthen backstop. Hunters should not shoot into rocks, as this causes ricochets and sparks wildfires.
Wear Bright and Visible Clothing
Colorado law requires hunters to wear at least 500 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink material on an outer garment above the waist while hunting deer, elk, pronghorn, moose or bear with any firearm license. If a pack is worn, a bight cover is needed for back visibility. A fluorescent orange or pink hat or head covering, visible from all directions, is also required.
CPW recommends wearing fluorescent orange or pink clothes in the field, even if not hunting, especially during the muzzleloader and rifle seasons.
Visibility is one of the most important factors for hiker safety during hunting season. Non-hunters are strongly advised to wear bright colors, such as blaze orange or pink. Consider purchasing and wearing a brightly-colored vest, hat, and pack cover to increase visibility.
Hunters are often out at dawn and dusk, when game is most active but when visibility is lowest. Wearing an led light clip-on light or headlamp with low-light or linking mode is an excellent addition to wearing bright clothes.
Bright clothing helps hunters distinguish you from game, lowering the risk of accidents. CPW notes that "big-game animals don’t see these colors like we do: Movement, sound and smell are what give hunters away."
Dog Safety Considerations
Hikers should consider whether to should bring their dog with them into areas where hunting activities may be occurring. Some dogs get especially anxious and scared of gun sounds, so it may be best to leave dogs at home or take them to an urban park or trail instead.
If you do bring your dog on the hike, make sure to keep them leashed at all times. A leash will prevent your dog from running after wildlife or bolting if startled by a gun shot or loud bang.
Also it is a good idea for your dog to wear bright colors like you! Outdoor retailers carry blaze orange or pink vests for dogs as well.
Respect Wildlife and Hunters
Both hikers and hunters share the outdoors. Mutual respect promotes safety.
Do not disturb hunting equipment or game.
Follow all posted rules and regulations.
Keep pets on a leash and under control.
CPW notes "it is illegal to intentionally interfere with hunters, including causing animals to flee, denying access to public areas, or injecting yourself into the line of fire."
Respectful behavior helps maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Hunting Season Hiker Safety Tips
Wear bright and visible clothing - CPW recommends a bright fluorescent orange/pink vest and hat (and pack cover if needed). IPWA volunteers are permitted to add a high-vis element to their uniform during hunting season.
Stick to well-marked trails, avoid shortcuts, and make noise when traveling through dense brush.
Avoid hiking during peak hunting time at dawn and dusk, and instead opt to go out mid-day to reduce the risk of run-ins with hunters. If you must hike during peak times, increase your noise and visibility efforts.
Hike with a partner or group and make noise to help alert hunters to your presence.
Remind visitors about the added safety precautions during hunting season, including the importance of sticking to designated trails and keeping their dogs on leash.
Sources and additional resources:
Comments