Non-hunting pressure in rifle seasons

[Mw01313]

I am starting planning for the 2025 season. I learned a couple things last fall that I had not considered prior to getting to the unit. I am trying to let them inform my tag strategy this year. My first question is this: Does non hunting pressure fall off during rifle seasons in units that are close to populated areas ( think October and later)? I am sure this is largely weather dependent, but I am wondering if, generally speaking, do MBers, hikers, and rec campers start to stay out of the woods going into October or is it the same as Archery and ML seasons?

 

[cnelk]

Once the Leaf Peepers are gone it’s pretty much over for non hunting activities

 

[Nickofthewoods]

Once the Leaf Peepers are gone it’s pretty much over for non hunting activities

This may have been true 20 years ago.

 

[cnelk]

This may have been true 20 years ago.

Okay.
I’m basing my observation on this past fall when I hunted Sept Oct and Nov.

 

[Nickofthewoods]

If the weather is still nice there will be people out recreating. Especially near large cities.

 

[BRTreedogs]

Yes No Maybe
Maybe yes or no

 

[LongWayAround]

I hardly see any non-hunters during rifle seasons.

If you're in an area with cool Instagram lakes and popular trails, there will probably be backpackers. Areas with lots of bike trails and no snow snow will probably have bikers.

 

[Mw01313]

Thanks for the responses. Look it depends. Hopefully I can dodge them.

 

[justinspicher]

We still have horse riders out, which always concerns me. Plenty of ATV riders as well.

 

[Hondo0925]

Seems In my area October is busy (still pretty nice weather) but November everyone but hunters are gone