Editorial

Watch out out there

The woods in Central Oregon are getting increasingly crowded in the fall.

What used to be the almost-exclusive domain of back-country deer hunters is now also the playground of mountain bikers, hikers, trail riders and other explorers out to enjoy the best time of year in the Sisters country.

This year, with fire closures restricting the areas in which hunters can hunt, it's going to be a bit more crowded than usual.

Some common-sense precautions and a bit of courtesy and consideration among all parties can help make it safer out there.

Hunters must observe the most fundamental safety rule of all -- make sure you know what you're shooting at (and what may lie behind it). There's no excuse for shooting at movement or what you "thought" was a deer.

Hikers, cyclists and riders should make every effort to be conspicuous. Wear bright colors. Blaze orange isn't the most appealing color in the world, but it's one every hunter recognizes instantly -- it shouts "person here!"

Stay on trails and don't go busting through the brush.

Find out where the heavy hunting activity is likely to be (check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Sisters Ranger District) and just stay away.

Some folks resent feeling effectively locked out of the woods during the hunting season, but it's a short time and the woods are theirs year-round.

That brings up one of the less tangible elements of conflict in the woods.

Some hunters resent other folks gallivanting around in "their" woods spooking "their" game.

Some forest recreationists find hunting distasteful and don't much care for hunters -- forgetting that the majority of hunters are ethical, conscientious and at least as active in conservation as they are.

As big as the Central Oregon forests are, there is less and less elbow room as more people venture out into the woods. Every one of us has a right to be there. Like it or not, we all have to share the bounty.

Jim Cornelius, Editor