Keeping Your Pet Safe During Deer Hunting Season in Alpena, MI
Deer hunting season is an exciting time for hunters in Alpena, MI, and the surrounding areas.
There’s nothing like getting out into nature and harvesting meat right off the land. But even if you don’t participate in this popular fall activity, it can pose risks to pets who spend any amount of time outside, whether that’s at home or on a trail.
The team at Switzer Veterinary Clinic wants to help keep your pets safe this year, whether you need to know how to protect pets during hunting or just want general deer hunting season pet safety tips.
3 Tips for Alpena, MI Pet Safety During Hunting Season
1. Keep Pets Visible
One of the most important ways to protect your pets during deer hunting season is by making sure they’re easily visible. There’s a reason hunters wear neon-orange vests when they’re out in the woods!
Bright, reflective gear is essential for both dogs and cats whenever they’re outside. This is especially important if you have a big yard or live in a rural area, or if you love getting out in the woods for fall hiking.
Consider getting a neon-colored vest or bandana for your pets, so hunters can easily spot them from a distance and avoid accidents. Since bright orange is an instantly recognizable color to hunters, it’s your best bet for pet safety. If you hunt with your pet, bright orange is a must when you’re out with your furry hunting buddy.
2. Be Aware of Hunting Areas
Before heading out for walks or outdoor activities, get to know the local hunting zones and schedules in Alpena. Many public lands are open to hunters, including dozens of Michigan state parks.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’s Mi-HUNT tool is a great starting point for figuring out which areas to avoid.
Even if you’re in a “safe” area, check your surroundings for signs of hunting activity. Gunshots, trucks or trailers with meat lockers, and shell casings, for example. It’s also smart to avoid peak hunting hours—typically early morning and late afternoon.
3. Use Noise to Your Advantage
You know how people wear bear bells to warn the large predators they’re in the area? You can do the same thing to let hunters know you and your pet are around.
Putting a bell or noisy collar on your pet can help alert hunters, and it can also help them tell your pet apart from the sounds of wildlife.
Deer Season Safety
If you hunt with your pup or regularly walk in the woods with your pet, make sure she’s up-to-date on flea and tick medications and vaccinations. The caring team at Switzer Veterinary Clinic can get your pet up-to-date for a safe and fun fall hunting season in Alpena! Call us today at (989) 356‑4880 to schedule an appointment.