As hunters search for signs of movement through the dense pines of De Soto National Forest, bicyclists, horseback riders and hikers are frequently on the move nearby.
One area in particular near the Bethel Mountain Biking Trail seems to attract deer hunters with dogs as well as recreational bikers. Many think the mix is a recipe for disaster.
One regular on the trail, John Nix of Biloxi, said there were a couple of days recently when he turned around and went home because there were so many hunters’ vehicles lining the road to the trail. He said there were at least 25 vehicles between the trailhead and a nearby road.
Nix said he’s never had any problems with the hunters, but would rather be safe than sorry. He wears a reflective orange vest during hunting season.
Others, though, have had negative encounters. Scott Lee, a mountain biker who lives in Ocean Springs, said having hunting and bicycling on the same land is a big issue. “It’s a very dangerous situation, in my opinion,” he said. “It’s an accident waiting to happen.”
From the Sun Herald: https://www.sunherald.com/2014/02/08/5322750/recreationists-hunters-a-dangerous.html