Fall in Montana means crisp air, golden larch and hunters in camo. From now until winter, hunting season is underway across the state. For those who are not out chasing elk but still want to hike, bike or wander the woods, here are five easy tips to keep your adventures safe for everyone:

1. The brighter, the better. If you’re not a hunter, you probably don’t have a ton of blaze orange in your closet, but it would be worth investing in a vest or at least a hat that sticks out in the woods. Also, for you dogwalkers, consider dressing up your four-legged friend with something bright, like a vest.

2. Stick to the beaten path. Trails aren’t just easier on your boots, they’re where hunters expect to see people. Off-trail bushwhacking? Maybe save it for spring.

3. Make some noise. Chat with your hiking buddy, sing to your dog or practice your whistling. The idea is to sound like a human, not a critter sneaking around. Making noise also helps minimize a surprise bear encounter.

4. Time it right. Hunters love sunrise and sunset. If you’d rather skip the overlap, head out mid-morning when the light is good and the coffee has kicked in.

5. Respect the signs. If an area is posted for hunting or temporarily closed, treat it like a “do not disturb” sign. Or if you get to a trailhead that’s full, maybe try another spot.

Bottom line? Enjoy the fall colors, breathe that mountain air and stay safe. The woods are wide open for everyone to recreate responsibly.