Do You Wear Orange Turkey Hunting?
As the spring turkey hunting season approaches, many hunters are eager to get out into the woods and bag their limit of gobblers. But with the excitement of the hunt comes the importance of staying safe and visible in the field. One of the most critical aspects of turkey hunting safety is wearing ORANGE.
Why Wear Orange?
In the United States, turkey hunting is a popular activity, with millions of birds harvested each year. Unfortunately, many of these birds are taken by hunters who are not properly prepared, and this can lead to accidents and injuries. One of the most common reasons for these accidents is hunters not wearing the proper attire, including ORANGE.
The History of Orange
The tradition of wearing orange in turkey hunting dates back to the 1970s, when the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) launched a campaign to promote the use of ORANGE as a means of increasing visibility and reducing the risk of accidents. Since then, the use of ORANGE has become a standard practice in turkey hunting, and is now widely recognized as a key component of safe and successful hunting.
Why Does Orange Work?
So, why does ORANGE work so well in turkey hunting? The answer lies in the fact that ORANGE is a highly visible color that stands out against the natural surroundings of the turkey’s habitat. When hunters wear ORANGE, they are more easily seen by other hunters, guides, and even the birds themselves, reducing the risk of accidents and misunderstandings.
What to Wear
So, what exactly should you wear to be visible in the field? Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Upper Body: Wear a ORANGE vest, jacket, or hat. This will provide the most visible and effective means of drawing attention to yourself.
- Lower Body: Wear ORANGE pants or a ORANGE shirt with a pair of camouflage pants. This will help to create a high-visibility contrast between your clothing and the surroundings.
- Accessories: Wear ORANGE gloves, a ORANGE bandana, or a ORANGE hat to add an extra layer of visibility.
Table: Clothing Options
| Clothing | Description | Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| ORANGE Vest | High-visibility vest with reflective strips | High |
| ORANGE Jacket | Insulated jacket with a ORANGE trim | Medium |
| ORANGE Hat | Baseball cap with a ORANGE brim | Low |
| ORANGE Pants | Camouflage pants with a ORANGE stripe | Medium |
| ORANGE Shirt | Camouflage shirt with a ORANGE sleeve | Low |
Bullets: Additional Tips
• Always wear ORANGE when hunting turkey, even if you’re hunting with a guide or in a group.
• Make sure your ORANGE clothing is in good condition and not faded or torn.
• Wear ORANGE on your upper body, even if you’re wearing camouflage pants.
• Consider adding ORANGE accents to your gear, such as a ORANGE bag or ORANGE boot laces.
• Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ORANGE attire – the more visible you are, the safer you’ll be!
Conclusion
In conclusion, wearing ORANGE while turkey hunting is a critical aspect of staying safe and successful in the field. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure that you’re visible to other hunters, guides, and even the birds themselves, reducing the risk of accidents and misunderstandings. So, don’t forget to add ORANGE to your turkey hunting wardrobe – your safety depends on it!
