Outdoor recreation is one of the greatest ways to relieve the stress we’re all feeling during this challenging time. Hunters have always been good at social distancing when we’re in the woods and getting out on your spring bear hunt, heading to the high country to scout, or hiking to look for sheds is good mental medicine. Our state and federal agencies are trying to keep public lands open for recreation, but we all must think about #ResponsibleRecreation when we head outside.

Once you’re in the backcountry, there’s plenty of social distance – but you have to get there first and we all need to be responsible about not spreading the virus into communities along the way. Don’t travel too far from home, try to stick to the public lands closest to where you live. Pack your own meals and minimize the need to stop in small towns on your way to the access point – and once you’re there give at least 6 feet of space between anyone else that is in the parking lot when you arrive or who you might pass on the access trail.

Follow CDC Guidelines on social distancing and make sure you know in advance whether there have been any changes to outdoor recreation in your state. To help, the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports is hosting a map of state fish and wildlife agencies with their most up-to-date information on COVID-19. Get outside and enjoy the solitude of nature, just make sure you keep yourself and the community around you safe and healthy. #ResponsibleRecreation.

Guidelines

• Purchase your licenses online well ahead of your hunt to avoid venturing to busy stores that may put you at risk or may not even be open in some states where deemed non-essential businesses.
• Continue to adhere to best practices for avoiding COVID-19 even while in the woods. This means if you do happen to hunt with a buddy (someone you don’t already live with), make sure to maintain the recommended distance of at least 6 feet between you both. But, if comfortable, hit the woods for solo hunts. Also, carry hand sanitizer and avoid touching your face as best as possible.
• Opt for day trips over staying in hunt camp. It might mean more time behind the wheel to and from your hunting destination, but avoiding close contact with other hunters is best during this time.
• Know additional guidelines set forth on a state-by-state basis. This could mean that if you had plans to hunt in a nearby state, you should know if that state now has a mandatory quarantine period for those traveling in from out of state. It also means knowing temporary regulations that may be in place for public lands in your state.
• Share your adventures in a respectful way for social outlets. With many people spending more time online, there is an increased chance your content could come across the eyes of someone who may not agree with or be against hunting. Posts showing respect for the land an animal may not turn them into hunting advocates, but it may help dispel misconceptions they have about hunters, which is a step in the right direction.