In most states, it is mandatory to wear blaze orange, also referred to as “fluorescent” or “hunter” orange, while hunting. By making sure other hunters can see you in the field, blaze orange keeps you safe. Â.
Whether you are a novice or an experienced hunter, check your state’s regulations before you hit the woods each season to stay up to date on any changes regarding the amount of orange that you are required to wear. Are there any states that do not require it? Â.
Wearing blaze orange is always a good idea, even if it’s not necessary. Although the deer are blind, other hunters can see it, and donning it could potentially save your life!
Keywords: turkey hunting, blaze orange, safety regulations, states, exceptions visibility, hunting season
Turkey hunting is a popular sport that requires adherence to specific regulations, including wearing blaze orange clothing for safety reasons This article explores the purpose of wearing orange while turkey hunting, the legal requirements in different states, and exceptions to the rule
The Purpose of Wearing Orange While Turkey Hunting
Wearing blaze orange clothing serves as a critical safety measure for turkey hunters by enhancing their visibility to other hunters. Turkey hunting often involves concealing oneself behind trees or bushes, increasing the risk of mistaking other hunters for prey and accidentally shooting them. By wearing bright orange clothing hunters make themselves more visible, significantly reducing the likelihood of such accidents.
Legal Requirements for Wearing Orange While Turkey Hunting
Most states require turkey hunters to wear at least 500 square inches of blaze orange on their heads, chests, and backs during turkey season. However, some states may have different requirements or none at all. It’s crucial to check with your state’s Department of Natural Resources before your hunt to ensure compliance with the specific regulations.
Exceptions to the Orange Requirement
There are exceptions to the rule of wearing orange while turkey hunting. For example, if you’re hunting from an enclosed blind (a structure designed for concealment), you don’t need to wear blaze orange because no one can see inside your blind except yourself.
Another exception is if you’re participating in a controlled hunt program where only a limited number of people are allowed in certain areas. However, even in such cases, there might be strict guidelines regarding blaze orange requirements.
Wearing blaze orange might not seem like the most aesthetically pleasing choice for an outdoor activity, but following this regulation could potentially save lives. It’s vital to prioritize safety while enjoying your hobbies. Remember, when it comes to turkey hunting, safety should always come first.
Additional Resources
- Hunter-ed.com: Blaze Orange Regulations for Every State: https://www.hunter-ed.com/blog/blaze-orange-regulations-every-state/
- OnTheOutside.Co: Turkey Hunting 101: When and Where to Wear Orange for Safety: https://ontheoutside.co/do-you-have-to-wear-orange-turkey-hunting/
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified hunting safety expert or relevant authorities for specific guidance and regulations.
Wear Blaze Orange and Take a Hunter Safety Course to Stay Safe
Keep in mind that your state’s requirements for hunter orange or pink may vary depending on the hunting season. Make sure to stay up to date on any recommendations or requirements so you can prepare appropriately for your upcoming hunt!
Make sure youve also taken a state-approved hunter safety course. To hunt legally, many states require this course in addition to the appropriate hunter-orange attire. Ò Locate your state’s course, register, and begin studying about the rules and ethics of hunting, as well as the safety of firearms and how blaze orange keeps hunters safe. Â.
Originally published December 18, 2015. Content updated December 4, 2023.Â
Do I Need to Wear Blaze Orange In My State?
Once more, it’s wise to review your state’s regulations prior to each season’s opening day. However, heres an overview of the requirements for each state. Â.
During firearm seasons for deer, elk, and bear, all hunters are required to wear an outer garment above the waist with at least 144 square inches of hunter orange above the waist or a hunter orange hat. However, when hunting migratory birds, fox, raccoon, opossum, or turkey, hunters are not required to wear hunter orange. Â.
Additionally, when hunting from an elevated position at least 12 feet above the ground, hunter orange is not necessary. For information specific to Alabama, check with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources prior to hunting.
In Alaska, hunter orange is not necessary, but it is highly recommended. Wearing orange can significantly reduce the potential for hunting accidents. Â.
Although it’s not necessary in Arizona, wearing hunter orange is highly advised when hunting with or close to other people. Safety must always be a priority throughout any hunting season. Â.
Hunters are required to wear blaze orange or hunter safety green hats and at least 400 square inches of hunter orange above the waist during the big game firearm seasons (deer, bear, or elk). Â.
Additionally, blaze orange must cover at least 144 square inches of each visible side of the ground blinds. However, when hunting migratory birds, hunters are not obliged to wear orange. Â Â.
In California, hunters are not required to wear orange while hunting. However, (again) we strongly encourage it.
Colorado deer, elk, and antelope hunters are required to wear at least 500 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange above the waist, including a head covering, during firearm seasons. Â.
Nevertheless, during seasons dedicated to archery, bowhunters are exempt from wearing blaze orange.
Anyone hunting from Sept. In Connecticut, one must wear at least 400 square inches—roughly the size of four sheets of paper—of blaze orange above the waist, visible from all sides, starting on January 1. This can include a hat and a vest. Â.
Nonetheless, during archery-only seasons, deer hunters are exempt from wearing orange clothing. In addition, when hunting ducks from a boat, hunters are not obliged to wear orange. Â.
In Connecticut, there are additional exemptions for hunters, so make sure to verify the most recent state regulations.
In Delaware, during firearm season, bowhunters, small game hunters, and firearm owners are required to wear a minimum of 400 square inches of blaze orange on their head, chest, and back. However, waterfowl hunters do not have to wear orange. Â.
All Florida deer hunters and their hunting partners are required to wear fluorescent orange clothing measuring at least 500 square inches above the waist when hunting on public land. However, during seasons designated for archery alone, bowhunters are exempt from wearing blaze orange.
These rules do not apply when hunting on private land. Blaze orange is optional (but strongly recommended). Â.
During firearm deer seasons in Georgia, hunters and those who accompany them must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of hunter orange above the waist. This rule applies to deer, bear, and feral hog hunters. This can include orange headwear.
However, orange is not required for archery-only seasons. Â
In Hawaii, everyone who goes hunting or goes with a hunter—even if they’re not hunting—must wear a solid blaze orange shirt, vest, coat, or jacket. Â.
When carrying game or wearing a backpack, the orange must be visible from both the front and the back. Check state requirements to learn about certain exceptions.
Blaze orange is not required when hunting in Idaho. However, we recommend wearing it to identify game targets vs. non-game targets safely.
During firearm deer season, Illinois hunters of all game are required to wear 400 square inches of blaze (orange or pink) and a hat. Upland game hunters must wear a blaze orange hat. However, camouflage orange or pink does not meet the requirements. Â.
Keep wearing your orange garments when tracking a wounded deer.Â
Indiana law requires hunters and bowhunters to wear a blaze orange jacket, vest, hat, or coveralls when hunting deer, small mammals, pheasants, and quail. Â.
However, during the archery-only season, bowhunters are exempt from wearing blaze orange.
You have to wear a hat or cap that is 20%50% blaze orange when hunting upland game birds. If you hunt deer with a gun, you have to wear at least one item of blaze orange clothing—other than a hat. Â.
In addition, you have to cover your blind with at least 144 square inches of blaze orange material when using a blind to hunt deer.
In Kansas, big game hunters and their companions are required to wear blaze orange that is visible from all directions, measuring at least 200 square inches. Hunters also need to wear a bright orange hat that will make them visible from any angle. Â.
Camouflage orange does not count toward this requirement.Â
All hunters in Kentucky (as well as anyone who accompanies hunters) are required to wear solid blaze orange as an outer garment on their head, chest, and back during the deer or elk season. However, waterfowl and turkey hunters are exempt.
Louisiana hunters are required to wear a minimum of 400 square inches of hunter orange on their head, chest, and back during the open deer firearm season. Â.
Instead, hunters may choose to don a blaze orange hat when hunting on private property. Archery hunters and hunters in deer stands on legally posted private lands are exempt from the orange requirements. Dog seasons for squirrels and rabbits, as well as wildlife management areas, have additional regulations. Â.
However, we recommend checking the states requirements before your hunt.
Maine hunters are required to wear two pieces of solid blaze-orange clothing that are visible from all sides during the open deer firearm season. These can consist of a hat along with a coat, poncho, jacket, or vest. Â.
In the moose district, hunters are required to don a single piece of solid blaze orange apparel.
Wearing a solid blaze orange hat and a vest or jacket with at least 250 square inches of blaze orange or pink on the front and back is required for all hunters in Maryland as well as their companions. Â.
A hunter’s orange outer garment, at the very least, can serve as a substitute for the jacket or vest. Exceptions apply, so check state requirements for the latest details.
In Massachusetts, hunters are required to wear fluorescent orange coverings covering at least 500 square inches of their head, back, and chest during firearm seasons. In addition, during pheasant and quail season, hunters on WMA land are required to don a hunter-orange hat. Â.
As with many states, exceptions apply to orange garment requirements. To ensure that you are prepared for your hunt, make sure to review the most recent state requirements.
In the field, officials advise dressing as hunter-gatherer as possible during any season. Included in this should be orange outerwear, such as a raincoat, jacket, hat, or vest. Â.
In order to comply with legal requirements, Blaze Orange must be visible from all angles and be at least 50% orange. Â.
In Minnesota, hunters and trappers are required to wear blaze orange on a hat, jacket, vest, shirt, or similar item during the open firearm deer season. But in order to take small game, at least one item of clothing must be hunter orange or pink and worn above the waist during the times when firearms and muzzleloader seasons are not in effect. Â.
Pink and orange camouflage is permitted, but it must consist of at least 50% of either color. Check the latest state requirements for details and other exceptions.
Mississippi deer or hog hunters are required to wear at least 500 square inches of hunter orange during firearm season, which must be visible from all sides. The orange must be solid (unbroken). Â.
Hunters are required to wear a hunter-orange cap or vest when hunting quail or rabbits. Â.
According to Missouri law, during firearms deer hunting seasons, the hunter orange color must be easily visible from all angles. The two most crucial pieces of apparel to choose are a hunter orange hat and outerwear. e. , a shirt, vest, or jacket. Â.
Small game, migratory birds, and archery hunting are the only exceptions. Check Missouris state requirements for details.
According to Montana law, all big game hunters and anyone who goes with them must always have at least 400 square inches of hunter-orange clothing visible above the waist. Only a bright orange hat or cap will not suffice to meet state regulations.
Violating these requirements can result in a fine.Â
During firearm deer season, all big game hunters and bowhunters in Nebraska are required to wear blaze orange covering at least 400 square inches on their head, back, and chest. Â.
Upland game hunters are not required to wear blaze orange, but we highly recommend it for your hunt.
Although it’s not necessary, we advise wearing blaze orange when hunting in Nevada. Put on a vest or hat to increase your visibility to other hunters. Â.
Although wearing blaze orange is not required for hunters in New Hampshire, officials highly advise it. To make yourself visible to other hunters in the field, wear a cap or vest. Â.
In New Jersey, any hunter who uses a firearm to hunt deer, game birds, or small mammals is required to wear a blaze orange hat or something else that has at least 200 square inches of blaze orange visible from all sides. A camouflage orange hat does not meet the requirements. Â.
Bowhunters and hunters of wild turkeys and waterfowl are the exceptions. So, when getting ready for your hunt, make sure to check the most recent state regulations. Â.
At least 244 square inches of blaze orange must be worn by hunters on White Sands Missile Range. Similarly, hunters on military reservations at Fort Bliss or McGregor are required to don a blaze orange vest and hat.
However, while it is not necessary, hunter orange is highly advised for a safe hunt anywhere else in New Mexico where hunting is permitted. Â.
Wearing a solid or patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat, vest, or jacket is required for anyone hunting big game with a firearm or going with someone who is hunting big game with a firearm.
Before going hunting, confirm the most recent state regulations as additional requirements might apply. Â.
When hunting non-fox, non-bobcat, raccoon, opossum, or turkey prey in North Carolina, hunters are required to wear a fluorescent orange hat or outer garment that is visible from all directions. But when hunting on their own land, landowners, their spouses, and their kids are exempt from wearing blaze orange. Â.
In North Dakota, hunters who hunt big game or during firearm seasons are required to wear blaze orange that covers at least 400 square inches, along with a hat and clothing that covers the waist. A camouflage garment does not meet this requirement. Â.
In Ohio, hunters must wear a blaze orange vest, coat, jacket, or overalls from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sundown during deer season, also known as primitive season. This applies to hunting on public and private land. Â.
However, waterfowl hunters are an exception.
When using firearms for deer, elk, or antelope hunting in Oklahoma, hunters are required to wear a hat and an outer garment measuring at least 400 square inches of blaze orange above the waist. All hunters during the open firearm deer season are obliged to adhere to these regulations. Â.
Archery hunters are required to wear a blaze orange head covering or outer garment above the waist during any firearms season. If a piece of clothing has 400 square inches of hunter orange on it, it can be used as camouflage. Â.
Visit the state website for the most recent details on any additional exceptions. Â.
When using a firearm to hunt game mammals or upland birds in Oregon, hunters under the age of 17 are required to wear fluorescent orange clothing that is visible from all angles, such as a shirt, jacket, coat, vest, sweater, or head covering. Â.
Nonetheless, it is recommended that all hunters wear hunter orange when out on a hunt.
Hunters are required to wear a minimum of 250 square inches of hunter orange on their heads, chests, and backs during Pennsylvania’s regular firearm deer season. In the event that the archery season falls during the regular small game or turkey hunting season, this rule also applies to hunters during the special deer season. Â.
Furthermore, within 15 feet of a blind or enclosed tree stand, hunters must exhibit at least 100 square inches of hunter orange. Â.
Groundhog and spring turkey hunters must adhere to additional regulations; for more details, see your state’s requirements. Â.
In Rhode Island, during hunting season, all hunters (as well as the general public using hunting lands) are required to wear fluorescent orange clothing that is at least 500 square inches in size, visible from all sides, above the waist. This can be 500 square inches of solid hunter orange in the form of a hat and vest combined. Â.
See the state’s most recent information for additional requirements, which can change depending on the game type and season.
When hunting deer, bear, and hogs on WMA (wildlife management areas) land in South Carolina, hunters must wear a hat, coat, or vest of solid international (or “blaze”) orange when hunting during any gun and muzzleloader season.
Exemptions apply for dove, turkey, waterfowl, and migratory bird hunters. Check with the state for details.
In South Dakota, any big game firearm hunter (apart from those hunting turkey and mountain lions) is required to don at least one hunter-orange item of clothing above the waist. Acceptable garments include hats, vests, shirts, jackets, coats, or sweaters. Â.
Camouflage garments do not count toward the requirement.Â
Tennessee hunters are required to have at least 500 square inches of blaze orange visible from the front and back covering their head or upper body. This can include orange clothing that is camouflaged and has 500 square inches of orange. Â.
In Unit CWD, hunter orange is mandatory for the August hunt. However, other exceptions can apply. Check the latest state requirements before planning your hunt. Â.
Hunters and their companions are required to wear at least 144 square inches of blaze orange on their chest and back when hunting on any public land, including National Forests and grasslands in Texas. Additionally, hunters must don at least 400 inches of bright orange headwear.
Hunters of alligators, migratory birds, bighorn sheep in the desert, and turkeys are the exceptions. Â.
Currently, hunters in Utah are required to wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange on their head, chest, and back when using centerfire rifles. Proposed legislation, however, might lessen this requirement to just one item of outerwear, such as a hat, jacket, or vest, that is hunter orange in color. Â.
Visit the official Utah websites for more information to remain current on that legislation and any applicable exceptions.
Vermont does not require the use of blaze orange, but it could save your life. We highly recommend wearing it during your hunt. Â.
Virginia hunters (as well as anyone who accompanies them on a hunt) are required to wear hunter orange on their upper body or a hunter orange hat that is visible from all sides during the firearm deer season. Â.
As an alternative, hunters may exhibit 100 square inches of hunter orange that is visible from all sides, within reach of their body, and at or above shoulder level.
In Washington, blaze or “hunter” orange or pink clothing that is worn above the waist and visible from all sides must measure at least 400 square inches. A hat alone does not meet this requirement. Â.
During firearm seasons, hunters with firearms and those going deer or elk hunting must wear hunter orange. However, hunter orange or pink is not necessary when using a bow or hunting upland game. Â.
Check with the state for more details about exceptions.Â
All West Virginia deer hunters are required to wear an outer garment with at least 400 square inches of blaze orange during the deer gun season.
However, if you’re hunting on your own property, you don’t have to wear hunter orange. Â.
Hunters in Wisconsin are required to wear at least 20%50% hunter orange or pink as outer garments above the waist, including head coverings, during the firearm deer season. However, waterfowl hunters are exempt from this rule.
Big game hunters in Wyoming are required to wear a minimum of one fluorescent orange item, such as a coat, jacket, or vest. Only authorized archery hunters are exempt during specific seasons of the year. Â.
While pheasant hunting in a WMA or on land adjacent to Glendo State Park, small game and bird hunters are required to wear blaze orange. Furthermore, the state advises all hunters to hunt while wearing blaze orange or pink clothing. Â.
Do I need to wear orange while hunting? (When to wear orange)
FAQ
Should you wear orange while turkey hunting?
What color should you wear while turkey hunting?
Does camo color matter for turkey?
Is hunter orange required in Texas?
Do hunters wear blaze orange?
Blaze orange is highly recommended, but not required. Hunters are strongly encouraged to wear blaze orange. Hunters, and anyone in their company during hunting, in firearms zones during deer, bear, or elk seasons, must wear an exterior garment above the waistline that is at least 400 square inches of blaze orange or safety green.
Do hunters have to wear orange hats in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Statutes (NJ 23:4-13.1) require people hunting deer, hare, rabbit, squirrel, fox, and non-waterfowl game birds with firearms to wear at least 200 square inches of hunter orange fabric. The material must be daylight-fluorescent and visible from all sides.
Do bow hunters have to wear orange?
Orange camouflage does not count toward this requirement and bow hunters are not required to wear blaze colors during archery-only seasons. From September 1 through the last day of February, all hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange exterior clothing above the waist. In this case, camouflage orange is permitted.
What should a Hunter wear?
Hunters of deer, rabbit, squirrel, grouse, pheasant, woodcock, quail and turkey (when fall turkey season overlaps a deer firearms season) must wear a solid blaze orange vest, coat, jacket, coveralls, hat, or cap. Orange camouflage does not qualify. Exception: bow hunters outside of firearm seasons.