I've almost got all the GPS tracks done for the main trail (96 mile section). I'll put them up on
www.everytrail.com when ready.
As far as getting shot at, hunting season is over in December. So you have at least January, February and March for good cool hiking, and most likely parts of April. I've done all my LSHT hiking in those months.
Strange as it may seem, I've yet to see any large wildlife like deer, hogs, etc. I've seen lots of deer and coyote tracks, and hog wallows, but strangely absent when I've been on the trail.
I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you want lots of scenic vistas, go to Colorado. But LSHT is a great forest hike, and at the right time of year it's a really nice comfortable hike.
rgds,
WT