Blaze Orange or Camo? What to Wear During Fall Hunts

Midwestern hunters know that the fall season brings much more than changing leaves. It brings a big decision: blaze orange or camouflage? Your choice depends on what you’re hunting, when you’re heading out, and where you’re located. Below, we’ll break down state laws, safety facts, and practical clothing advice. This way, you can dress for comfort in the field. 

The Importance of Proper Clothing for Midwestern Hunters

You need to consider more than warmth when deciding what to wear for hunting in the fall. It affects how well you’re seen by other hunters and how well you stay hidden from game. The best clothing depends on where and when you hunt and the season you’re in. 

State-by-State Blaze Orange Laws

Blaze orange laws vary across the Midwest. Here’s a quick look at what’s required in each state during firearm deer seasons and youth hunts:

• Iowa: Hunters using firearms for deer must wear one or more solid blaze orange garments, such as a vest, jacket, coat, sweatshirt, sweater, or coveralls. Hats must also be solid blaze orange. Camouflage blaze orange is not legal.
• Minnesota: A blaze orange or pink hat and upper body clothing that’s at least 50% orange or pink are required. Camouflage patterns are allowed.
• North Dakota: All big game hunters must wear a hat and outer garment above the waist that are solid daylight fluorescent orange. The orange must be visible from all sides, and camouflage blaze orange is not legal.
• South Dakota: Big game firearm hunters must wear at least one solid fluorescent orange garment, such as a hat, vest, jacket, coat, or coveralls. The orange must be visible from all sides, and camouflage blaze orange does not meet the requirement.
• Wisconsin: During any firearm deer season, at least half of a hunter’s clothing above the waist must be blaze orange or pink. Hats or caps must also be at least 50% blaze. 
  

Check each state’s complete regulations before heading out, especially during youth seasons or special hunts. 

When Blaze Orange is Legally Required vs. Optional or Exempt

Blaze orange is typically required during firearm deer season, youth hunts, and muzzleloader hunts. It’s also needed on public and private land in most states.

However, there are times when it’s not required:

• Archery-only seasons often allow full camouflage.
• Spring turkey and waterfowl seasons usually don’t call for blaze orange.
• Private land sometimes follows different guidelines, but many states apply the same rules statewide.

Regulations can change from year to year, so be sure to check your state’s current rules before heading out.

Do you have to wear blaze orange on private property? In most states, hunters must wear blaze orange whether they’re on public or private land. Regulations vary, but the goal is the same — to make hunters highly visible and prevent accidents. Always check your state’s hunting laws to be sure you’re following the rules where you hunt.

How Blaze Orange Saves Lives

Wearing blaze orange is one of the simplest ways to keep safe during firearm season. According to the U.S. Army, hunters who wear blaze orange are seven times less likely to be involved in shooting incidents. A New York study found hunters not wearing orange were 7.7 times more likely to be shot. Furthermore, in Maine’s York County, visibility-related accidents dropped from 41% to 23% after blaze orange became required. Deer can’t see blaze orange like humans can, so it doesn’t hurt your concealment in the field.

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Is blaze orange the same as safety orange? Blaze orange and safety orange are similar bright shades, but they aren’t exactly the same. Blaze orange is slightly more reddish and is specifically chosen for hunting gear because it stands out in natural settings. Safety orange is used for road crews and construction, but either color is highly visible.

When Camouflage is the Better Choice

While blaze orange is required during many firearm seasons, full camouflage makes more sense for certain hunts. Turkey and waterfowl hunters must be entirely hidden, including gloves and face coverings, because those birds have sharp vision and can spot the smallest movement. 

Bowlhunters also rely on camo because they hunt at closer ranges and need to remain undetected. There are also different camo types: mimicry patterns try to match natural surroundings, while disruption patterns break up your outline. You can also wear pants and bibs. Choosing the correct pattern lets you blend in without sacrificing comfort or mobility in the field.

Why wear camo if deer are color blind? Deer can’t see colors the way humans do, but they can still spot movement and shapes. Camo helps hunters blend into their surroundings by breaking up their outline, making it harder for deer to notice them. It’s about staying hidden, not just about color.

Can You Combine Blaze Orange and Camo?

You don’t have to pick one or the other. Many hunters mix blaze orange and camouflage to be safe and hidden. Blaze orange camo patterns are designed to meet visibility laws while also breaking up your outline. You can also use layering to adjust your look based on your location and what you’re hunting. 

Layering Tips for Safety and Stealth

Start with camo layers that match your terrain. Then add a blaze orange vest or jacket on top. This setup works well for walking in during firearm season or hunting in mixed-use areas. A study by Atsko found that 79% of observers found solid orange more detectable than camouflage orange, and 91% found solid orange more visible during sustained viewing. For balance, try camo pants and an orange jacket or hat. 

Hunting Clothing Tips by Hunting and Game Type

Different hunts call for different clothing choices. Are you going to use a firearm or a bow? Are you targeting deer, turkey or upland birds? Ultimately, what you wear can impact your safety and success. 

Firearm vs. Archery Hunting

If you’re hunting with a firearm, blaze orange is typically required. It keeps you visible to other hunters during high-traffic seasons. With archery, you can often wear full camouflage because those seasons tend to have fewer hunters in the woods. Still, lots of bowhunters wear orange while walking to and from their stands or when tracking a deer. Once you’re set up, staying still and watching your scent is usually more important than what color you’re wearing.

Tips for Hunting Deer, Turkey, and More

Deer hunters should always follow blaze orange laws. Deer can’t see blaze orange like we can, so staying still matters more than perfect camo.

Turkey hunters need full camo, including hands and face. Turkeys have sharp eyes and notice movement and color quickly.

Waterfowl hunters do best with wetland-specific camo and layout blinds. Keeping low and avoiding sudden movement is essential.

Can wild turkeys see blaze orange? Yes. Unlike deer, wild turkeys have excellent color vision and can spot bright colors like blaze orange easily. That’s why turkey hunters often rely on full camouflage, including face masks and gloves, to stay hidden during turkey season.

Small Game and Upland Birds

For small game and upland birds, most states require a blaze orange hat or vest. Camouflage isn’t as important here. These animals are generally close-range and fast-moving. The larger concern is being visible to other hunters, especially in dense cover. Remain calm, move fluidly, and wear enough orange to stand out.

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More Key Safety Tips for Fall Hunts

Clothing is only part of being safe. Always follow firearm safety basics. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, don’t touch the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, and always identify your target and what’s beyond it. Let someone know where you’re hunting and when you plan to return. Also, before every season, take time to review current hunting regulations, including any changes for public or private land. Being cognizant and prepared makes the experience better for everyone out in the woods.

Related Article: Melissa Bachman's Top 8 Hunting Gear Picks Hunter and TV host Melissa Bachman shares her must-have gear for a successful season. From clothing to accessories, this list highlights trusted items to keep you prepared in the field.

Safety First, Then Stealth

Before heading out this fall, keep these takeaways in mind:

Key Takeaways:

• Blaze orange saves lives, and it’s required in many hunting situations.
• Camo is the better choice when visibility to game matters more than visibility to others.
• You can combine blaze orange and camo with thoughtful layering and gear choices.

Action Items:

• Check your state’s current hunting regulations.
• Know which seasons and species require blaze orange.
• Match your camo pattern to the terrain and time of year.
• Layer blaze orange over camo for both safety and concealment.

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