I wear my seatbelt because it keeps me safer, not because it's the law. Hunter orange is not required for small game hunting in Utah. But I wear it for the same reason as I wear my seatbelt. It also helps my buddies to not hesitate on a shot when a bird gets up because they can keep track of me more easily.

I always wear a seatbelt
I just avoid situations that require me to wear orange
We all have our opinions

And I respect your personal choice and opinion.

I respect that if you are avoiding such places and situations that it shouldn't be mandatory

and our DNR doesn't make it mandatory until deer season then even on private ground it is mandatory 50% or more above the waist

I am just saying if you are headed into the thick of public pheasant ground it is a good idea.

Yes for all bird and rabbit hunting and everyone with me will have some on also. Often just a hat but it helps keep track of where everyone is an Even with it there are time I call out and have people I can't see sound off so I'm sure of their location before I stomp the brush if I'm carrying a gun. often I don't take a shotgun and just flush the critter these days.

All deer gun and muzzleloading seasion as well. I don't like to get shot.

Wow

wear Orange...it dosent hurt you...might just save your life

I don't see an issue with wear orange especially bird hunting in a larger group. See the orange hat out the corner of your eye before you swing in on bird. Was easy to get out whack with group guys pushing pheasant in standing corn. You don't shoot at any bird unless nothing but sky. Orange doesn't help in corn and pushing corn deer hunting. Shooter better know their lanes. Doesn't even hurt to put your dog in orange vest if your bunny hunting in group.
But I don't think it needs to be a law for bird hunting. At least not on private grounds.

Mac

"Never Forget Which Way Is Up!"

You sound like the exact reason I wear orange when afield. "I won't be safe because they told me to be"..is a scary person indeed.

When ever there is a deer season open here in Maine

I am not saying it should be a law on private ground.

DNR properties can have their own rules like no lead shot , hen and rooster hunts , firearm specific restrictions

an orange hat or a vest could be added

I wear at least an orange hat in hunting seasons that are not required and while checking traps because it makes my mother feel more at ease.

I don’t mind wearing orange but it isn’t very aesthetically pleasing. Not like the old woolrich jackets. That’s classic
Or a buckskin jacket and a badger fur possibles bag. I want the enhanced experience of hunting, all the fanfare.

Yea, know what ya mean. I had a friend who refused to wear blaze orange. I visit him a couple times a year. Always leave a cedar wreath next to his stone!

I hunted for many years before it became a requirement for deer.
I used to hunt deer in a brown canvas coat and never felt unsafe.’
This was in the 60’s in Oh and there were a lot less hunters.
I wear it because it’s required.
It does make you more safe.
But someone getting shot is the shooters fault. Not the one who is shot.
But it still feels weird.

I wear orange most anytime I am out in the woods (I am not a bow hunter). One thing to keep in mind is that your carcass is going to be easier to find if you wear orange. If you have a heart attack, stroke, bee sting reaction or get smoked by a snag, bright colors may result in someone finding you quicker. I had a "close call" about 10 years ago and it changed my way of thinking. If I lay there long enough and the coyotes eat me, they will be licking their butts for days trying to get the taste out of their mouth.

I dont always wear my seatbelt, I will eat a mayonnaise sandwich that has been in the sun but I will not pheasant hunt without an orange hat.

Good point... Same can be said for wearing a life vest

I have spent more time than most doing Search and Rescue and some article of high visibility clothing is a HUGE help. One moose hunter years ago was smart enough to turn his sleeping bag inside out before he climbed into it. That bright red lining stuck out like a sore thumb and we found him quickly.

I'm with you

Only people that are exempt from wearing orange in MD are people that hunt or accompanies, aids, or assists other people while hunting the following species: brant, coot, crow, dove, ducks, furbearing mammals, geese, rails, snipe, wild turkey. Other than that, orange is required even on one's own property.

I wear orange in the bush because you never know what kind of wingnut is out there,plus it makes it easier to find your body when you die out on the line.