Wearing blaze orange, also known as “fluorescent” or “hunter” orange, is required when hunting in most states. Blaze orange keeps you safe in the field by ensuring you are visible to other hunters. Â.
How much orange do you have to wear? Are there any states that don’t require it? Whether you are a new or experienced hunter, check your state’s rules on wearing orange before you go into the woods every season. Â.
Even when not required, wearing blaze orange is always a good idea. While deer cant see it, other hunters can â and wearing it could save your life!Â.
Turkey hunting is an exciting way to spend time outdoors in the spring. But to hunt safely and legally it’s crucial to understand blaze orange requirements in the areas you hunt. Do you have to wear orange when turkey hunting? In most cases, the answer is yes – here’s what you need to know.
Why Wear Blaze Orange?
The main purpose of wearing blaze orange (also called hunter orange or fluorescent orange) while turkey hunting is safety. Blaze orange makes you visible to other hunters who may mistake you for a turkey in camouflage clothing. Tragically accidental shootings between hunters occur frequently during turkey season. Orange helps prevent these accidents by making you stand out.
While turkeys can’t see blaze orange, the color appears brightly visible to human eyes. So other hunters can spot you more easily. For this reason, nearly all states require turkey hunters to wear orange for safety.
Turkey Hunting Orange Regulations by State
Blaze orange requirements for turkey hunting depend on which state you’re in. Here are some general guidelines:
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Most states require between 200-500 square inches of visible orange on the head, chest and back.
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Typical orange clothing includes hats, vests, jackets or bandanas.
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A few states require only a hat or head covering in blaze orange.
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Several states have no specific orange regulations for turkey hunting.
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Regulations may differ for private vs public land in some areas.
Always check your state’s exact turkey hunting regulations before the season opens. Requirements can change year to year.
When Orange is Not Required
There are some exceptions where blaze orange is typically not required:
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Hunting from an enclosed blind: Orange is not needed if you’re concealed inside a blind.
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Archery-only seasons: Some states don’t require orange for bowhunters.
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Private land: Orange rules sometimes don’t apply on private property.
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Fall turkey seasons: Blaze orange requirements tend to focus on spring.
But unless the regulations specifically exempt you, it’s best to wear orange anyway for safety.
Recommended Orange Clothing and Gear
Choose bright orange clothing that meets your state’s requirements and makes you visible on all sides:
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Hat: An orange hunting cap is a universal requirement in most states.
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Vest: A blaze vest over your upper body is ideal for visibility.
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Jacket: An orange hunting jacket is another excellent option.
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Bandana: An orange head or neck wrap works too in some states.
Avoid:
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Dull orange that blends in. Opt for bright fluorescent shades.
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Orange camo patterns. Solids work better than camo prints.
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Just a small patch of orange. Make sure it’s visible from all angles.
Also consider orange:
- Shotgun case
- Pack
- Gun sling
- Rain gear
- Boots
The more orange the better!
Turkey Hunting Clothing To Avoid
Aside from blaze orange, you’ll want to avoid certain colors that can attract turkeys:
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Red, white and blue: Male turkeys display these colors. Don’t wear them.
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Black: The color of a turkey’s feathers. Avoid black clothing.
Instead, stick with greens, browns, grays and camouflage patterns while hunting. Just be sure to add adequate blaze orange too.
When to Take Off the Blaze Orange
It’s safest to keep your orange clothing on at all times when moving through the woods during turkey season.
Only remove orange when:
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Inside a ground blind: Concealment is no longer a concern.
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Calling birds: Take off orange before turkeys approach within shooting range.
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After shooting hours: When done hunting for the day.
And put your orange right back on before getting up to track, move or leave your hunting spot.
Turkey Hunting Safety Tips
In addition to wearing blaze orange:
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Study safety zones and set up decoys away from other hunters.
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Learn the sounds of turkey calls to avoid mistaking them for human whistles or shouts.
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Pay attention to movements and noises to determine if they are human or turkey.
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Clearly identify your target and what’s beyond it before shooting.
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Let other hunters know where you’ll be hunting.
Blaze orange regulations do vary for turkey hunting depending on your state. But in general, expect to wear fluorescent orange clothing like vests and hats during spring turkey season for safety. Carefully check your local turkey hunting rules before going out. And remember to take off your orange only when concealment from specific birds becomes necessary. Following blaze orange requirements and basic safety measures will lead to an enjoyable hunt.
- orange: 33 times
- turkey: 26 times
- hunting: 21 times
- hunter: 13 times
- blaze: 10 times
- safety: 7 times
- wear: 7 times
- required: 5 times
- state: 6 times
- visible: 3 times
- fluorescent: 3 times
- regulations: 5 times
- accidental: 1 time
- spring: 2 times
- fall: 1 time
- public land: 1 time
- private land: 2 times
- archery-only: 1 time
- enclosed blind: 2 times
- vest: 2 times
- jacket: 2 times
- hat: 2 times
- bandana: 1 time
- dull: 1 time
- camo: 1 time
- red: 1 time
- white: 1 time
- blue: 1 time
- black: 2 times
- green: 1 time
- brown: 1 time
- gray: 1 time
- inside blind: 1 time
- calling birds: 1 time
- shooting hours: 1 time
- safety zones: 1 time
- decoys: 1 time
- identify target: 1 time
Do I Need to Wear Blaze Orange In My State?
Again, checking your states regulations before opening day each season is always smart. However, heres an overview of the requirements for each state. Â.
During gun seasons for deer, elk, and bear, all hunters must wear an outer garment above the waist that has at least 144 square inches of hunter orange on it, or a hunter orange hat. However, hunters do not need to wear hunter orange when hunting turkey, fox, raccoon, opossum, or migratory birds. Â.
Also, you don’t need to wear hunter orange when you’re hunting from at least 12 feet above the ground. Before hunting, check with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for specifics.
Hunter orange is not required in Alaska, but it is strongly encouraged. Wearing orange can significantly reduce the potential for hunting accidents. Â.
Hunter orange isn’t required in Arizona, but we really think you should wear it when you’re hunting with or near other people. Safety must always be a priority throughout any hunting season. Â.
Hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange above the waist and a blaze orange or hunter safety green hat during deer, bear, or elk hunting seasons. Â.
At least 144 square inches of blaze orange is also required on each visible side of ground blinds. However, hunters are not required to wear orange when hunting migratory birds. Â Â.
Hunters are not required to wear orange when hunting in California. However, (again) we strongly encourage it.
During gun seasons in Colorado, people who want to hunt deer, elk, or antelope must cover their heads and wear at least 500 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange above their waist. Â.
However, bowhunters are not required to wear blaze orange during archery-only seasons.
Anyone hunting from Sept. 1 until the end of February in Connecticut must wear at least 400 square inches (four sheets of paper) of blaze orange above the waist that can be seen from all sides. This can include a hat and a vest. Â.
However, archery deer hunters are not required to wear orange during archery-only seasons. Additionally, hunters are not required to wear orange when hunting waterfowl from a boat. Â.
Other exemptions exist for hunters in Connecticut, so be sure to check the latest state requirements.
During gun season, Delaware hunters of small game, firearms, and bows must cover their heads, chests, and backs with at least 400 square inches of blaze orange. However, waterfowl hunters do not have to wear orange. Â.
Everyone who hunts deer in Florida must wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange above the waist when they are on public land. However, bowhunters are not required to wear blaze orange during archery-only seasons.
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 for deer, bears, and wild pigs must wear at least 500 square inches of hunter orange above the waist. This can include orange headwear.
However, orange is not required for archery-only seasons. Â
In Hawaii, anyone hunting or with hunters (even if they’re not hunting) in public places must wear a solid blaze orange shirt, vest, coat, or jacket. Â.
The orange must be visible from the front and back while carrying game or wearing a backpack. 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 in Illinois, all hunters must 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
IN hunters and bowhunters must wear a blaze orange jacket, vest, hat, or coveralls when they go after deer, small mammals, pheasants, or quail. Â.
However, bowhunters are not required to wear blaze orange during the archery-only season.
When hunting upland game birds, you must wear a hat or cap that is 50% blaze orange. When you use a gun to hunt deer, you have to wear at least one blaze orange item, besides a hat. Â.
Also, if you use a blind to hunt deer, you have to cover it with at least 144 square inches of blaze orange material.
In Kansas, big game hunters and their friends and family must wear at least 200 square inches of bright orange that can be seen from all sides. Hunters must also wear a blaze orange hat with 50% visibility from any direction. Â.
Camouflage orange does not count toward this requirement.Â
All hunters in Kentucky, along with anyone who comes with them, must wear solid blaze orange on their head, chest, and back during deer or elk season. However, waterfowl and turkey hunters are exempt.
For Louisiana’s open deer gun season, hunters must cover their head, chest, and back with at least 400 square inches of hunter orange. Â.
When hunting on private land, hunters may wear a blaze orange hat instead. The orange requirements dont apply to hunters in deer stands on legally posted private lands or archery hunters. More requirements apply for wildlife management areas and dog seasons for rabbits and squirrels. Â.
However, we recommend checking the states requirements before your hunt.
Maine hunters must wear two pieces of solid blaze orange clothing that can be seen from all sides during open deer firearm season. These can include a hat and a jacket, vest, coat, or poncho. Â.
Moose hunters in the moose district must wear one piece of solid blaze-orange clothing.
Hunters and their guests in Maryland must wear a blaze orange hat and a vest or jacket with at least 250 square inches of pink or orange on the front and back. Â.
An outer garment at least 50% hunter orange can substitute for the vest or jacket. Exceptions apply, so check state requirements for the latest details.
Mass. hunters must cover at least 500 square inches of their chest, back, and head with fluorescent orange while using firearms. Additionally, hunters on WMA land must wear a hunter-orange hat during pheasant and quail season. Â.
As with many states, exceptions apply to orange garment requirements. So, check the latest state requirements for details to gear up appropriately for your hunt.
Officials recommend wearing as much hunter as possible in the field for any season. This should include orange outer garments, like a hat, jacket, vest, or rain gear. Â.
Blaze orange must be at least half orange to meet legal requirements and should be able to be seen from all sides. Â.
Minnesota hunters and trappers must wear blaze orange on a hat, jacket, vest, shirt, or something similar during open firearm deer season. To take small game, though, when it’s not gun or muzzleloader season, at least one piece of clothing worn above the waist must be hunter orange or pink. Â.
Camouflage pink and orange are allowed but must be at least 50 percent pink or orange. Check the latest state requirements for details and other exceptions.
During gun season, hunters in Mississippi must cover at least 500 square inches of their bodies with hunter orange. This must be clear from all sides. The orange must be solid (unbroken). Â.
When hunting rabbits or quail, hunters must wear a hunter-orange cap or vest.Â
During firearms deer hunting seasons in Missouri, the hunter orange color must be easy to see from all sides. The most important clothing choices are a hunter orange hat and hunter orange outerwear â i. e. , a shirt, vest, or jacket. Â.
However, exceptions apply to archery hunting, migratory birds, and small game hunting. Check Missouris state requirements for details.
It is the law in Montana that all big game hunters and anyone with them must always have at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material above their waist. A blaze orange hat or cap alone does not meet state requirements.
Violating these requirements can result in a fine.Â
During gun deer season in Nebraska, all big game and bow hunters must cover their heads, backs, and chests with at least 400 square inches of blaze orange. Â.
While its not required for upland game hunters, we strongly encourage wearing blaze orange during your hunt.
Blaze orange is not required when hunting in Nevada, but we recommend wearing it. Throw on a hat or a vest to make yourself more visible to other hunters. Â.
New Hampshire doesnt require hunters to wear blaze orange, but officials strongly recommend wearing it. Wear a cap or vest to help other hunters see you in the field. Â.
Hunters of deer, game birds, and small mammals in New Jersey who use guns must wear a blaze orange hat or something else with at least 200 square inches of blaze orange that can be seen from all sides. A camouflage orange hat does not meet the requirements. Â.
Exceptions apply to hunters of waterfowl and wild turkeys as well as bowhunters. So, be sure to check the latest state regulations when preparing for your hunt. Â.
Hunters on White Sands Missile Range must wear at least 244 square inches of blaze orange. Likewise, hunters on Fort Bliss or McGregor military reservations must wear a blaze orange hat and vest.
But hunter orange is not required when hunting anywhere else in New Mexico that permits hunting. It is strongly suggested for a safe hunt, though. Â.
People who hunt big game with a gun or who are with someone who hunts big game with a gun must wear a hat, vest, or jacket that is solid or patterned fluorescent orange or pink.
Other requirements may apply, so check the states latest regulations before your hunt.Â
People in North Carolina who use a gun to hunt animals other than foxes, bobcats, raccoons, opossums, or turkeys must wear a bright orange hat or outerwear that can be seen from all sides. However, blaze orange isnt required for landowners or their spouses and children when hunting on their own property. Â.
In North Dakota, people who hunt big game or with a gun must wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange, including a hat and something above the waist. A camouflage garment does not meet this requirement. Â.
Ohio hunters must wear a blaze orange vest, coat, jacket, or overalls from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset during deer season or primitive season. This applies to hunting on public and private land. Â.
However, waterfowl hunters are an exception.
Oklahoma hunters of deer, elk, or antelope who use guns must wear a hat and at least 400 square inches of blaze orange clothing above the waist. During open firearm deer season, all hunters must follow these requirements. Â.
When it’s gun season or not, archery hunters have to wear a bright orange hat or outerwear above the waist. Camouflage orange garments are legal if they have 400 square inches of hunter orange. Â.
For other exceptions, visit the states website for the latest information.Â
When using a gun to hunt mammals or birds of prey in Oregon, hunters younger than 17 must wear something fluorescent orange that can be seen from all sides. This can be a shirt, jacket, coat, vest, sweater, or hat. Â.
However, all hunters are encouraged to wear hunter orange during any hunt.
People who want to hunt deer with a gun in Pennsylvania must cover their heads, chests, and backs with at least 250 square inches of hunter orange. Hunters who go out during the special archery deer season must also follow this rule when the archery season falls during the general turkey or small game season. Â.
Hunters must also put up at least 100 square inches of hunter orange within 15 feet of a blind or enclosed tree stand. Â.
Other requirements apply to groundhog and spring turkey hunters, so check the states requirements for information.Â
On Rhode Island hunting grounds during hunting season, everyone must wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing above the waist that can be seen from all sides. This can be a combination of a hat and vest, equalling 500 square inches of solid hunter orange. Â.
Consult the states latest information for additional requirements that can vary by season and type of game.
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, everyone who hunts big game with a gun (except turkey and mountain lion) has to wear at least one hunter orange piece 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 must cover at least 500 square inches of their body or head with blaze orange so that it can be seen from both the front and back. This can include camouflage orange garments containing 500 square inches of orange. Â.
Hunter orange is required during the August Hunt in Unit CWD. However, other exceptions can apply. Check the latest state requirements before planning your hunt. Â.
People who hunt on public lands, like National Forests and grasslands in Texas, must wear at least 144 square inches of blaze orange on their chest and back. Hunters must also wear at least 400 inches of blaze-orange headgear.
Exceptions apply to turkey, migratory birds, desert bighorn sheep, and alligator hunters.Â
Right now, hunters in Utah who use centerfire rifles have to cover their heads, chests, and backs with at least 400 square inches of hunter orange. But a proposed law could change that to only requiring one piece of hunter orange outerwear, like a vest, jacket, or hat. Â.
To find out about changes to that law and any current exceptions, visit the official Utah websites.
Blaze orange is not required in Vermont, but it could save your life. We highly recommend wearing it during your hunt. Â.
Virginia hunters and anyone with them on a hunt must wear hunter orange on their upper body or a hunter orange hat that can be seen from all sides during firearm deer season. Â.
Instead, hunters can put up 100 square inches of hunter orange that can be seen from all sides, within reach, and at or above shoulder level.
In Washington, you have to wear at least 400 square inches of blaze or “hunter” orange or pink above your waist so that people can see you from all sides. A hat alone does not meet this requirement. Â.
Firearm hunters and those hunting deer or elk during firearm seasons must use hunter orange. However, when hunting upland game or using a bow, hunter orange or pink is not a requirement. Â.
Check with the state for more details about exceptions.Â
At least 400 square inches of blaze orange must be on the outside of every garment worn by West Virginia deer hunters during deer gun season.
However, wearing hunter orange is not required if youre hunting on your own land.Â
When it’s firearm deer season in Wisconsin, hunters must wear at least 80% hunter orange or pink as outerwear above the waist. This includes covering their heads. However, waterfowl hunters are exempt from this rule.
Large game hunters in Wyoming need to wear at least one bright orange piece, like a vest, jacket, or coat. Only licensed archery hunters are exempt at certain times of year. Â.
Bird and small game hunters must wear blaze orange when they hunt pheasants in a WMA or on land that borders Glendo State Park. Additionally, the state recommends that all hunters wear blaze orange or pink when hunting. Â.
Wear Blaze Orange and Take a Hunter Safety Course to Stay Safe
Remember: hunter orange or pink requirements can change for your state between hunting seasons. Always check the latest recommendations or requirements so you can gear up properly before your next hunt!Â.
Make sure youve also taken a state-approved hunter safety course. Many states require this course (along with the proper hunter-orange clothing) to hunt legally. Find a course in your state, make an account, and then start learning about gun safety, how blaze orange helps keep hunters safe, and hunting laws and morals. Â.
Originally published December 18, 2015. Content updated December 4, 2023.Â
Do I need to wear orange while hunting? (hunter education)
FAQ
Should you wear orange while turkey hunting?
What colors not to wear while turkey hunting?
What states require hunter orange?
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State
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Required?
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California
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No
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Colorado
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Yes
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Idaho
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No
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Kansas
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Yes
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Why do some hunters not wear orange?
Do hunters have to wear orange?
At least 144 square inches of blaze orange is also required on each visible side of ground blinds. However, hunters are not required to wear orange when hunting migratory birds. Hunters are not required to wear orange when hunting in California. However, (again) we strongly encourage it.
Do you need to wear blaze orange when hunting?
Wearing blaze orange, also known as “fluorescent” or “hunter” orange, is required when hunting in most states. Blaze orange keeps you safe in the field by ensuring you are visible to other hunters. How much orange do you need to wear? Are there any states that don’t require it?
Do hunters have to wear orange hats in Georgia?
These rules do not apply when hunting on private land. Blaze orange is optional (but strongly recommended). Georgia law requires deer, bear, and feral hog hunters and their companions to wear at least 500 square inches of hunter orange above the waist during firearm deer seasons.
Do you need a hat for a turkey hunt?
A hat containing a minimum of 100 square inches of solid fluorescent orange, visible 360 degrees, must be worn at all times. When hunting in an area with a concurrent fall turkey season, a hat containing a minimum of 100 square inches of solid fluorescent orange must be worn when moving. The hat may be removed when archer is stationary or on stand.
Can archery hunters wear orange?
During any firearms season, archery hunters must wear a blaze orange head covering or outer garment above the waist. Camouflage orange garments are legal if they have 400 square inches of hunter orange. For other exceptions, visit the state’s website for the latest information.
How much hunter orange should a Deer Hunter wear?
According to the Delaware Code (7 DE Code 718), deer hunters must wear a minimum of 400 square inches of hunter orange on their head, chest, and back. If hunting from a ground blind, the blind must be covered with at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material, at least 3 feet off the ground and within 10 feet of the blind.