Direct answer: When hunting together, maintain clear spacing, stay on a coordinated line or two abreast, and communicate clearly to ensure safety and visibility for everyone in the group. Key guidelines:

• Spacing and formation: If walking in a small team, hunters should typically walk in a single file or two abreast, with a consistent distance between members. Common safe distances cited in training materials range from roughly 25 to 40 yards between walkers, depending on terrain and visibility. This helps prevent accidental misfires and gives each hunter a clear line of fire and field of view.

• Speed and rhythm: Keep a steady pace that all members can maintain. Abrupt changes in speed or direction can spook game and increase the risk of accidents. If someone needs to stop or pause, others should communicate and adjust accordingly.

• Communication: Use clear signals—verbal cues when practical, and nonverbal signals or hand gestures to indicate spots, stops, or targets. Effective communication reduces confusion and potential accidents.

• Awareness and line-of-fire: Each hunter should be aware of teammates’ positions and maintain muzzle discipline. Visual contact with the group helps ensure everyone remains within the safe zone and can adjust to terrain or cover accordingly.

• Terrain adaptation: In rough, thick, or uphill terrain, slow down and increase spacing as needed to maintain safety and situational awareness.

• Safety gear and visibility: In many jurisdictions, wearing high-visibility or fluorescent orange during certain seasons improves visibility to other hunters, reducing risk. Follow local regulations for color requirements.

What to decide before you go:

• Agree on a standard formation for the day (single file vs. two abreast) based on the terrain, cover, and number of shooters.

• Establish a clear communication plan: how to signal when game is spotted, when to stop, and how to adjust spacing.

• Assign a lead hunter and a regroup point or cadence to ensure the group stays cohesive and maintains safe distances.

If you want, I can tailor these guidelines to your specific terrain (e.g., dense woodland, open fields, or mountain terrain) and local rules or recommendations.