Hunting season is full swing in central Maine. Most days we see a few local hunters out and about. We generally don’t wear orange (though it is one of my favorite colors). We also don’t venture far into the woods for the month. That’s OK—we have plenty to do in the orchard and the gardens.

This orange suit is recommended for all Maine fruit explorers who dare to venture into the woods in November. It’s guaranteed to keep the hunters and the deer away - not sure about big, hungry rabbits.

There’s been a movement from time to time to allow hunting on Sundays. I don’t think that’s a good idea. Hunting is a long Maine tradition and, although I don’t partake, we have never “posted” our land. We like it when hunters ask first before hunting on our property, and we’ve never said no to anyone. But it’s a good thing that there’s one day a week in November when everyone can explore for apples or go for a hike in the woods without getting mistaken for a white-tailed deer. I fear that if they made deer hunting legal on Sundays, lots of people would post their land. It would wind up being worse for the hunters, not better.

What if we had a week of federal holidays in November paid by the government? It could be the first week of the month so it could include election day. No one would have to skip work to vote. The other four days would be for collecting apples, bringing infirewood, closing up gardens for the fall, tracking down a few deer or just hanging out. All courtesy of the feds.

And yes, it is a good idea to wear orange if you have to venture into the woods on a Saturday or during the week. I have mine handy just in case. (See photo)