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 put your outdoor skills to the test. However safety should always be the number one priority for any hunter. One of the biggest safety questions around turkey season is Do you have to wear orange when turkey hunting?
The short answer is – it depends on your state laws. While most states require blaze orange for firearm deer hunting, regulations for turkey season vary
So let’s break down the purpose of hunter orange, when it’s legally required, exceptions to the rules, and tips for staying safe and visible during your spring turkey hunts.
Why Wear Blaze Orange for Hunting?
The primary reason to wear fluorescent orange, also called “hunter orange” or “blaze orange”, is safety. The bright color makes you visible to other hunters who may mistake you for wild game
Turkey hunting often involves hiding and staying very still in camouflage. Plus, the spring season can overlap with other hunting like deer, hogs, and bear. Wearing orange prevents dangerous hunting accidents.
Blaze orange is a must for firearm deer season in most states. And it’s smart to wear it anytime hunting seasons overlap.
Additionally, turkey vision is not as sharp as human eyesight. So the birds likely won’t be spooked by seeing hunter orange. However, don’t wear red, white, blue or black near turkeys, as these are the colors of male wild turkeys.
State-by-State Orange Requirements for Turkey Hunters
Turkey hunting regulations vary greatly across the United States. Blaze orange requirements range from “must wear” to simply “recommended”. Be sure to check your individual state laws before hunting.
Here are some examples of turkey hunter orange rules:
- Alabama – Blaze orange only required during overlapping deer, elk and bear firearm seasons. Not needed for turkey only.
- Arkansas – No hunter orange required for turkey season.
- Colorado – Blaze orange only mandatory during overlapping deer, elk, antelope firearm seasons.
- Florida – Hunter orange required on public lands during turkey season. Optional on private lands.
- Illinois – Must wear blaze orange hat while turkey hunting.
- Kansas – No hunter orange required for turkey season.
- Kentucky – No hunter orange required for turkey season.
- Michigan – Hunter orange recommended but not required.
- Mississippi – Must wear hunter orange cap or vest when turkey hunting.
- New York – No hunter orange required for turkey hunting.
- Texas – No hunter orange required for turkey season.
- Wisconsin – No hunter orange required for turkey hunting.
Always check your state’s official hunting regulations before the start of turkey season. Blaze orange rules can change year to year, and there are exceptions.
For example, some states require orange for youth turkey hunters but not adult hunters. And special limited permit or controlled hunts may have different rules.
When in doubt about the law, it’s always smart to wear orange.
Exceptions to Wearing Orange for Turkey Hunters
While blaze orange is required by law for turkey hunting in some states, there are exceptions:
Hunting from an enclosed blind – If you hunt turkey exclusively from a fully enclosed blind, you likely don’t need orange. The blind conceals you from other hunters’ view.
Archery-only turkey hunting – During bow hunting seasons, blaze orange rules are often relaxed. However, wear orange if firearm seasons are also open.
Hunting private land – Orange rules sometimes don’t apply on private property. But it’s still smart to wear it if hunters are near your boundaries.
Turkey hunters on guided hunts – Outfitters may have special exemptions from state orange laws under certain circumstances.
Limited drawing/permit hunts – Special turkey hunts with a restricted number of hunters may not require blaze orange.
Remember that exceptions differ by state and local areas. Check with your state wildlife agency to confirm if an orange exemption applies to your specific turkey hunt.
Turkey Hunting Safety Tips
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Wear blaze orange when moving between hunting spots. Remove orange before settling in to call and hunt.
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Use a fluorescent orange vest or hat for visibility. Avoid orange clothing that can spook turkeys like red or blue.
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Purchase orange products made specifically for turkey hunting in camo or other patterns.
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Carry orange flagging or tape to mark your path and signal your location.
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Keep orange handy to wear if you must track or retrieve a turkey.
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If orange isn’t required, wear muted fall colors like brown, tan or forest green.
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Attach orange strips or tape to your backpack, helmet, gun case, and other gear.
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Use a blind with built-in orange panels or material.
While blaze orange is not mandatory in all states for spring turkey season, it’s still strongly recommended. Wearing orange can save lives and prevent hunting accidents.
Be sure to clearly identify your target and what lies beyond it. Follow safe firearm handling practices. Never wear colors that can be mistaken for a gobbler.
And always check your state’s exact blaze orange regulations before the start of turkey season. Don’t take chances with your safety. Wearing hunter orange is a simple way to have an enjoyable hunt while being responsible in the field.
What rules does your state have for blaze orange and turkey hunting? Do you wear orange even when not required by law? Share your experiences in the comments!
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.