Bicycling during hunting season

Florida Trail near Pat's Island, Ocala National Forest

In Florida, the trail bicycling and hunting seasons share the same time period due to the cooler weather.  This can make some off-road bicycling interesting, at least in scheduling times to quietly and safely pass through most trails in Florida without spooking game, angering hunters or spoiling their shots.

Florida Trail Hiking Vest, couldn't find one that said "Bicycling"

Blaze orange is the "in" color during this time of the year, and when bicycling, it should be worn where it can be seen from ALL directions around you, including your head!  All Florida National Forests and most state lands are open for hunting.
There are some areas in the Sunshine state where you can bike off road during hunting season without hearing gunshots.  I reviewed those areas in this blog in 2013, and to my knowledge, they are still hunt-free.
My opinion is to avoid trail bicycling during hunting season weekends and to wear blaze orange.  Typically, during weekdays most trail areas are safe and clear of hunting parties.  If you are also camping on your bicycle, stick to posted campsites.
The 2014 Hunting Season dates for Florida are:
General Gun Season Zones B & C (Central Florida) for deer run from 12/06/14 to 02/22/15.
Muzzle-loader, Bow or Crossbow for deer run from 09/13/14 to 12/05/14.
Turkey hunters hunt from 9/13/14 to 02/01/15 for bows through guns.
Quail & Squirrel run from now through 03/01/15.
Spring Turkey season runs from 02/28/15 to 05/26/15.
The online dates are posted online at http://myfla.com/hunting/season-dates for details.