Lindsay 0:05

Hey everybody, it's Lindsay from the Rochester Trail Riders, and I wanna start with some exciting news. I have recently stepped into the role as the regional Vice president for the Finger Lakes within the New York State Horse Council. So what's this mean for you riders? It means that our equestrian community now has another voice advocating for safe trails. Fair access and equine friendly policies at Monroe, Wayne, Ontario Livingston, Seneca Yates, and Steuben Counties. My job is to represent you, whether it's raising awareness, promoting safe trail use, or even lobbying when decisions are being made that impact horses and riders in our region. Right now one of the most important topics is Dun Dun hunting season, which is about to begin, and here are the key start dates for the Southern Zone that covers our counties. Bow season starts in October and runs right through November. That's October 1st of November 14th, and then takes a little break, starts again in December 8th to the 16th, and again from the 26th until January 1st. Youth Firearms weekend is October 11th through the 13th. Regular firearm season begins November 15th and continues to December 7th. Muzzle loader overlaps in December, running from December 8th, the 16th, and again from the 26th to the first in January, so starting October 1st. Hunters are gonna be active across our region. All the way through to New Year's Day, and here's what that means for us riders. Monroe County Parks are hunting free zones. It makes them safe for trail riding options this fall. But trails like the Genesee Valley Greenway, now those cross private lands and your may encounter some hunters there. Either way, keep you and your horse safe this season with these few tips. Wear blaze orange or hot pink so you stand out in the woods. Clip a bell onto your tack so you can be heard before you're seen. Stick to marked trails and avoid riding at dawn or dusk and ride in groups when possible because visibility increases with numbers. Now one more piece of news. As I step into the role of vp, I'm also looking for a regional director. They're gonna help support me in the New York State Horse Council. Now, ideally, this person would come from somewhere deep based, deeper into the Finger Lakes, who can occasionally attend a DEC or town meeting where the horse use trail accesses might come up. The duties of regional director are straightforward button port. You'd help me keep track of local issues in your county, share updates about events or proposals that could impact the equine industry. Bring that forward to the needs and concerns of riders in your community. It's about making sure our voices are heard and our needs are met, whether it's on the trail, in planning meetings, or in conversations with other equestrian groups. Now, if this sounds like a role for you or you know, somebody who would be a good fit. Please reach out. Having the extra support in the region helps keep us riders informed and prepared and represented. Now, I'm also gonna drop a link for the DEC hunting season dates just to keep you guys safe and let's work together to keep our trails open, safe and horse friendly. Until next time. Happy trails.