Sierra Blogging Post Archives

A hiker was accidentally shot and killed by a bear hunter on Sauk Mountain in Washington State over the weekend. The hunter, who apparently mistook hiker Pamela Almli (not pictured) for a bear, is only 14 years old.

Being an avid hiker myself, this story particularly saddens (and scares) me. According to this article, Almli was stopped on the trail, putting something into her backpack, when the fatal round was fired.



There aren't many details being released about the situation and no charges have yet been filed, but an investigation is currently underway. Hunting bear in this particular area of Washington is legal and it's apparently a very popular hiking area as well.

While hikers can't control the actions of hunters (who should never fire before they are absolutely certain what they are firing at), there are a few things hikers can do to avoid looking like game. During hunting season especially, and anywhere where hunting is legal, it's smart to take a few precautions.

1. WEAR ORANGE. Wear a blaze orange vest, cap, shirt, shorts, whatever. Wearing bright orange, the color hunters wear to avoid being shot, is the best way to make your presence known. This universal hunter safety color will dramatically reduce your chances of being mistaken for game. (Don't forget to dress your dog in orange, too.)

2. Avoid wearing white during hunting season. A flash of white in the woods can be (and has been) mistaken for the white of a deer's tail.

3. Avoid wearing dark colors, like black and brown. Humans dressed in brown or black can be mistaken for large game.

4. Stick to established trails. Hunters should be aware of trails popular with hikers and be extra cautious in those areas. (Obviously, as with this case, that doesn't always mean they will be.)

5. Consider hiking in places unpopular with hunters. Check with your local wildlife official, Fish and Game department, or local sporting goods store to see where the hunters are/are not.

6. Make noise while you hike and don't hike alone. Alert hunters to your presence by talking, whistling, singing, or carrying bear bells.

7. As always, make sure someone knows where you're going and when you plan to be back.

Hikers shouldn't have to be afraid of being mistakenly hunted while enjoying the outdoors. It's up to both hikers and hunters to make sure these accidents don't happen. We all have a right to enjoy the woods safely.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends & family of Pamela Almli. What a tragic accident.