1.5 Hunter Orange

Hunter orange is an extremely bright color not found in nature. The use of hunter orange (also known as blaze orange, fluorescent hunter orange, or international orange) saves lives. Currently 40 states require hunter orange clothing for hunting big game and/or upland birds. Waterfowl hunters, turkey hunters, and bowhunters are usually not required to wear hunter orange.

Almost all states that require hunter orange have reported a big drop in hunting-related firearm incidents. Also, many of these states have reported an increase in deer hunter success since requiring hunter orange! Hunters wearing hunter orange can see each other quite easily. As a result, hunters often will “move” more deer by spreading out over a larger hunting area.

Avoid wearing colors that other hunters might mistake for game animals!

Be safe ... be seen! The chart below shows which groups of hunters are required to wear hunter orange in Washington. A minimum of 400 square inches of hunter orange is required in Washington. All required hunter orange clothing must be worn above the waist. A hat only contains about 100-150 square inches of material, so you cannot wear only a hat. A vest will usually contain from 500-800 square inches of material. A jacket or shirt will usually have more than 1000 square inches of material. Camouflage hunter orange is legal in Washington.

Type of License / Species	Upland Birds	Waterfowl	Deer / Elk
Modern Firearm Hunters	Required	Not required	Required
Muzzleloading Hunters	Not required	Not required	*Not required
Archery Hunters	Not required	Not required	*Not required

*Hunting seasons which overlap modern firearm season require the use of hunter orange!

If you are color-blind, you should be especially cautious when hunting. You may not be able to distinguish the fluorescent orange clothing of other hunters nor the color markings that help identify game.

Washington Department
of Fish & Wildlife

Course Overview

Course Chapters

Testing

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Washington Hunting
Information

Official hunting safety course for Washington hunters last modified: April 5, 2010
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