10/06/2026
Hunting season is officially underway here on Cape Cod, and many of the same wooded areas we use for hiking, training, and off-leash adventures are also active hunting grounds.
That doesn’t mean we have to avoid the woods altogether. It just means being a little more intentional about where we go, what’s in season, and how visible our dogs are.
A few reminders for fall:
• Wear blaze orange on both you and your dog
• Keep your dog close and within sight
• Use a leash or long line if recall is not completely reliable
• Be especially mindful around dawn and dusk
• Check whether hunting is permitted on the property before heading out
• Give hunters, hunting dogs, blinds, and stands plenty of space
• Remember that hunting is prohibited on Sundays in Massachusetts
One local example is Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area in Falmouth/Bourne. It’s a popular spot for walking and recreation, but it is also actively managed for wildlife and open to hunting during the appropriate seasons.
Good recall matters year-round, but hunting season is a good reminder that management matters too. If there’s any doubt about your dog staying close, leash them up, add some blaze orange, and save the bigger off-leash adventure for another day.
Shared woods. Smarter dog safety. 🐕🍂🟠
