Vermont Fish and Wildlife Encourages Safe Hunting Practices with Fluorescent Orange Gear
Vermont Fish and Wildlife is emphasizing the importance of wearing fluorescent "hunter orange" apparel during hunting season to enhance safety in the woods. Nicole Meier, Coordinator of the Vermont Hunter Education Program, highlighted that the initiative aims to maintain hunting as one of the safest outdoor activities, owing to continuous advancements in hunter education and safety measures. Research indicates that fluorescent hunter orange significantly increases visibility to fellow hunters while rendering them less detectable to deer, as the animals rely more on movement than color.
"Every year we should strive to be the safest we can be by wearing at least a hunter orange hat and vest,” stressed Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Christopher Herrick. He noted that deer are most active during dawn and dusk, times when visibility is limited. Wearing hunter orange enhances safety by ensuring that hunters stand out, particularly in low-light conditions.
Despite some hunters’ concerns about the color startling deer, studies reveal that deer are generally unaffected by fluorescent orange. Deer possess fewer color receptors than humans, resulting in a narrowed perception of color. Their survival primarily hinges on detecting movement rather than distinguishing colors, emphasizing the effectiveness of the hunter orange strategy.
While the use of hunter orange is not advised during waterfowl and turkey hunting, Meier encourages its use when moving to and from blinds or calling spots for added safety. Vermont prides itself on safe hunting practices, and by adopting the use of hunter orange, hunters can contribute to ongoing efforts to maintain this safety. For further insights into the visibility benefits of wearing orange, a demonstration video is available at the Vermont Fish and Wildlife YouTube channel.
In summary, hunters in Vermont are reminded to "Hunt smart. Hunt safe. Wear orange."
Source
Photo credit www.samessenger.com
