Hunter orange is a color that keeps hunters safe. This color can be seen from great distances and can save lives.
You do not need camouflage to hunt upland birds. The birds can see colors but are normally in grass and cover where they surely will hear approaching hunters but will not see them coming.
Big Game do not see colors. They see in black and white. Bright orange may look brighter but not identifiable as a color. We wear Hunter’s Orange when Big Game Hunting to see other hunters and prevent accidents.
When hunting managers began looking for the safest colors to wear afield, it was because hundreds of hunters were having accidents. They wanted to find a way for hunters to be easily identified in the field, to avoid getting shot. They exposed colors to hunters and wildlife and came down with 3 primary choices. The best color, seen most easily from a distance, was Hot Pink! Florescent Orange was second and Chartreuse was third.
Since pink was not a cultural manly or macho color, this color was passed over. Chartreuse can blend into the forests in lower light so the final choice was Orange. Blending the orange into a camo style pattern made a nice compromise.
Different states use the Hunters Orange differently. Hunters can choose how much to wear based on state laws. Usually, a vest or hat is enough. Some hunters go for the full Monty and wear orange from head to foot. We call these the Great Pumpkin suits.
On an opening day in states like Pennsylvania and Minnesota, you can see the hunter’s Pumpkin Patch along every hillside.
Montana requires Hunters Orange when hunting for big Game with a rifle or gun. Archers or primitive shooters, hunting in gun seasons would also need to wear orange. In just archery season, no orange is required. Spring turkey season in Montana does not require Hunters Orange. Other states do. I do wear orange when dragging a tagged critter from the forests and fields. Check the rule book for how many square inches of orange are needed.
Upland bird hunters, in Montana, are not required to wear orange! This is a ridiculous oversight. It is true that shotguns will not kill as easy a rifle but getting shot is certainly a bad idea. John Wayne once shot Ward Bond on a duck hunt. Recently politicians have also had bad luck with upland accidents.
When an upland bird flushes, things happen fast and in a hurry. Quick reactions and shooting can be dangerous. Orange stands out and screams No Shoot! I even use an orange collar or vest on my hunting dogs, so they stay safe.
There is NO Advantage to not wearing Hunter’s Orange when hunting upland birds. I once flushed a camouflaged hunter, hiding in a hedgerow as I drove the wheat field with my dog. I did not see him until he stepped out! I almost shot him in self-defense.
His excuse was that he was hoping that I might push a pheasant by him where he could “ground swat” it! He did not even have the concept to shoot an upland bird in the air!” I can’t hit the birds when they are flying”, he claimed.
I suggest that Montana Laws require Hunter’s Orange for Upland Hunters. Any respectful Upland Hunter should be able to safely shoot and hunt afield and be seen by others.
Maybe I am overlooking something when it comes to Upland Hunters wearing Orange but I have yet to learn why every upland hunter does not have to wear this bright Safety Color, which could save a Hunter, stock animals, or bird dog’s life.
Don’t be a Bird Brain.
Montana Grant
