timekiller13
Old Mossy Horns
Hunting accidents are very rare. They can happen, and do, on a yearly basis. That being said, I have hunted public land in multiple states both in the east and out west and never had a bad experience. Someone walking by me while hunting is not a big deal, nor is it a deal breaker. I have never once been shot at or feared for my life on public land. I have had a couple bad incidents on private land. It's really not that hard to get away from people. Keep your expectations realistic. If you can hunt during the week, you will have much less competition, even during rifle season. Archery only spots will be your friend as well. I hunted 3 different pieces of public land this past season ( one permit only, other two open to general public). I saw zero people while in the woods. In fact, only once was there even another vehicle parked at the gate when I got there.I've been thinking of only hunting deer this fall during archery season only, since archery equipment is what I'll be using and I think I'd feel safer after some of the stories I've heard about people getting shot by idiots who didn't ID their target before shooting during the gun seasons. Glad I haven't been misinformed or misled by these hunting shows on TV. I've never even seen them. Get all my info about how to hunt from good books and from this forum. Feel very blessed in that regard.