Ever found yourself in a store where hunting equipment is sold, and suddenly find yourself surrounded by bright fluorescent colors shining brightly all around you? And have you ever had anyone ask you, “Why in the world would anyone wear that?” Well, I certainly have, and my usual answer is, “that’s blaze orange that people wear, both hunters and non-hunters alike, during specific hunting seasons in the fall.”
But honestly, that’s only an abbreviated answer, as blaze orange, also known as “safety orange” or “hunter orange,” is commonly used in many different fields of work because of its effectiveness as a safe color to the human eye! Yet, keeping things in the context of hunting for now, wearing blaze orange helps enhance safe and successful hunting, with the majority of the 50 states now requiring hunters to wear blaze orange during specified hunting seasons, with the remaining states who don’t require it, strongly recommending it.
Over the years, widespread use of blaze orange has dramatically helped reduce work-related accidents, fire department and law enforcement incidents, along with more hunting-related firearms accidents than we’ll ever fully know. For my money, all outdoor users who are either on the job or in the woods, especially during hunting seasons, should be wearing blaze orange clothing as a precaution. And if you’re still questioning the effectiveness of blaze orange, well the jury is in and has left the building on that one, as blaze orange is the number one safety element for both workers, hunters, and recreation seekers during the autumn and winter months. Especially if you happen to be one of those who enjoy the outdoors during all seasons, wearing hunter orange might just be the right thing for you as well … just be sure you know the seasons and where and when hunting is allowed.
Remember that hunting on Sunday is not permitted in Massachusetts or Maine, and that most state parks and forests are open to hunting on legal days. Research the property you plan to visit beforehand to learn if hunting is allowed. And if being in the woods during hunting season makes you uneasy, find a location where hunting is not allowed, or plan your outing for a Sunday in these states. Also, if your pets come with you, place a blaze orange vest or bandana on their neck or torso to keep them visible. Remember that wearing blaze orange is a legal requirement during some hunting seasons for a reason. So if, as a non-hunter, you’re out and about during this time of year, which you have every right to be, just join in with safety in mind, and wear some blaze orange material on your chest, back, and head.
And having said that, I know that there are still some hunters today who worry that wearing blaze orange will hurt their chances of harvesting a whitetail deer, but there’s not a lot to worry about here as deer, while not completely colorblind, do lack the ability to detect colors like red and orange. Simply put, wearing blaze orange will not matter one iota to a deer, but it might just save your life, or the life of someone else, and that’s an important element to all of this!
Below is a list of all New England States, including New York, that require hunters to wear blaze orange during some phases of the fall hunting season. But there are also many notable exceptions for when wearing it is not required. Be sure to check the abstracts pages for any changes that may appear in the state you’re hunting in as regulations can change frequently. And do it prior to the season’s starting.
Connecticut — From Sept. 1, through the last day of February, all hunters, including archery (unless sitting in a tree stand at least 10 feet high) must wear at least 400 square inches of Blaze Orange. Camouflage-patterned blaze orange is permitted. Stationary turkey hunters and waterfowl hunters are the exception.
Maine — During open firearm season and for those using crossbows, hunters must wear at least two pieces of solid Blaze Orange clothing. One must be a hat or a head covering, and the second covering a majority of the torso and visible from all sides. Waterfowl hunters, while hunting from a boat, blind, or with waterfowl decoys are the exception. Plus, a religious exemption allows for the use of bright red clothing in lieu of Blaze Orange.
Massachusetts — Unsurprisingly, Massachusetts was the first state to require hunter orange back in 1961. Today, hunters during firearm season for deer must wear at least 500 square inches of Blaze Orange above the waist. A Blaze Orange hat must also be worn by hunters in Wildlife Management Areas during pheasant and quail seasons. Waterfowl hunters in a blind or a boat are the exception.
New York — Hunters must wear a Blaze Orange or Hunter Pink hat or an upper body garment of at least 250 square inches of solid or camouflaged patterned Blaze Orange or Hunter Pink and be visible from all directions when hunting deer or bear with a firearm.
Rhode Island — Hunters must wear a total of 500 square inches of solid Blaze Orange during firearm deer season. This includes at least 200 square inches of Blaze Orange as a hat or head covering, and the remaining as a garment visible from all sides. Camouflaged-patterned Blaze Orange is not permitted. There are many other restrictions in place for small game hunters, fall turkey hunters while traveling, and muzzleloader deer hunters during that season. Make sure you spend time with the Abstracts, just to be sure that you’re in compliance in whatever state you find yourself in!
States where Blaze Orange is only recommended — New Hampshire and Vermont.