Wearing blaze orange clothing is required by law for most hunters in the majority of U.S. states. Also known as hunter orange or fluorescent orange, this bright color keeps hunters visible and safe in the field by ensuring they can be seen by other hunters.

Even in states where hunter orange is not mandated, wildlife officials strongly recommend wearing it for safety reasons. Deer cannot see blaze orange, but other hunters can - which could save your life in the woods or field.

Specific blaze orange requirements vary by state. In general, most states that have orange regulations require one or more of the following:

• A solid blaze orange hat or cap
• 400-500 square inches of blaze orange worn above the waist on the chest, back, and/or head
• Blaze orange that is visible from all sides
• Solid blaze orange fabric (no camouflage orange)

Some common exceptions to wearing orange apply to:

• Archery-only seasons
• Turkey hunting
• Waterfowl hunting
• Hunting on private land
• Hunting from elevated stands/blinds

However, it's critical for hunters to check their specific state regulations, as orange requirements can change from year to year and may have certain stipulations.

Only 5 states - Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho and Nevada - have no blaze orange requirements whatsoever, although it is still encouraged. Most other states require it for big game hunting with a firearm and/or upland bird hunting.

The amount of orange required ranges from roughly 100-500 square inches depending on the state. The most common regulation is a minimum of 400-500 square inches worn on the head and upper body.

A few states, like Oregon, only mandate orange for hunters under a certain age (17 in Oregon's case). Some states allow hunter pink in addition to orange. Many also specify that a certain percentage of the garment must be orange, usually 50-100%.

In addition to wearing orange clothing, some states have requirements for posting orange around ground blinds or tree stands. Accompaniment of a non-hunter may also necessitate orange garb in certain states.

To stay safe and legal, always consult your state's fish and wildlife agency website for the most up-to-date orange regulations before hunting season begins each year. Taking an approved hunter safety course will also cover the use of blaze orange.

Check out our newest product, the SEE3D Camo blaze orange suit.

Alabama

In Alabama, hunters must wear an outer garment above the waist with at least 144 square inches of hunter orange, as well as an orange hat when hunting big game with firearms. There are exceptions for archery seasons and hunting from elevated stands at least 12 feet off the ground.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 144

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

Alaska

Alaska does not require hunters to wear blaze orange clothing, but it is strongly encouraged to promote safety in the field.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: No

Square inches: N/A

Blaze orange camo: N/A

Blaze orange hat required: N/A

Arizona

Arizona does not mandate the use of blaze orange for hunters, but officials strongly recommend wearing it, especially when hunting with or near others.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: No

Square inches: N/A

Blaze orange camo: N/A

Blaze orange hat required: N/A

Arkansas

During firearms seasons for big game in Arkansas, hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange above the waist and a blaze orange or safety green hat. Ground blinds also require 144 square inches of blaze orange on each visible side.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 400

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

California

California does not require hunters to wear blaze orange, but it is highly recommended for safety.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: No

Square inches: N/A

Blaze orange camo: N/A

Blaze orange hat required: N/A

Colorado

For big game firearms hunting in Colorado, 500 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange must be worn above the waist, including a head covering. Archery hunters are exempt during archery-only seasons.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 500

Blaze orange camo: Not allowed (solid only)

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

Connecticut

From September through February in Connecticut, hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of fluorescent orange above the waist, visible from all sides. This can include a combination of a hat and vest. Some exceptions apply for archery deer and waterfowl hunting.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 400

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Not specified

Delaware

Firearm hunters, small game hunters, and bowhunters in Delaware are required to wear 400 square inches of blaze orange on the head, chest, and back during firearms seasons. Waterfowl hunters are exempt from this requirement.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 400

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

Florida

While hunting deer on public land in Florida, hunters and companions must wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange above the waist. On private land, blaze orange is optional but strongly recommended. Archery hunters are exempt during archery-only seasons.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes (public land), No (private land)

Square inches: 500

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Not specified

Georgia

In Georgia, deer, bear, and feral hog hunters, along with their companions, are required to wear a minimum of 500 square inches of hunter orange above the waist, which can include a hat, during firearms hunting seasons. Archery-only season hunters are exempt.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 500

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Not required but counts toward square inch requirement

Hawaii

When hunting on public land in Hawaii, all hunters and anyone accompanying them must wear a solid blaze orange shirt, vest, coat, or jacket that is visible from both the front and back, even while carrying game or wearing a backpack. Some exceptions apply.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes (public land)

Square inches: Not specified

Blaze orange camo: Not allowed (solid only)

Blaze orange hat required: Not specified

Idaho

Idaho does not require hunters to wear blaze orange, but it is strongly recommended to help identify game targets and other hunters.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: No

Square inches: N/A

Blaze orange camo: N/A

Blaze orange hat required: N/A

Illinois

During firearm deer season in Illinois, all hunters must wear a blaze orange or pink hat and 400 square inches of solid blaze orange or pink clothing. Upland game hunters need only an orange or pink hat. Camouflage orange/pink does not meet requirements.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 400

Blaze orange camo: Not allowed

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

Indiana

Deer and small game hunters in Indiana must wear both a blaze orange hat and an additional outer blaze orange garment (jacket, vest, coveralls) while hunting. Archery hunters are exempt during archery-only season.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: Not specified

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

Iowa

Iowa requires upland bird hunters to wear an orange hat or cap that is at least 50% blaze orange. Deer hunters using firearms must wear one or more blaze orange garments, excluding headwear. Hunters using blinds for deer must place at least 144 square inches of blaze orange on the blind exterior.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 144 (only on deer blinds)

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes (upland), No (deer)

Kansas

Kansas requires big game hunters and their companions to wear a minimum of 200 square inches of blaze orange on their head, chest and back at all times, plus an orange hat or cap with at least 50% of the visible surface being orange. Camouflage orange is prohibited.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 200

Blaze orange camo: Not allowed

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

Kentucky

All hunters and persons accompanying them must wear solid, unbroken hunter orange on the head, chest, and back while hunting for deer or elk during firearms seasons in Kentucky. Waterfowl and turkey hunters are exempt from this requirement.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: Not specified

Blaze orange camo: Not allowed (solid only)

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

Louisiana

In Louisiana, deer hunters during open firearms seasons must wear 400 square inches of "hunter" orange on the head, chest and back. On private land, a hunter orange cap or hat will suffice. Exceptions include bow hunters, hunters on legally posted private land, and waterfowl hunters.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 400

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes (private land)

Maine

Hunters in Maine during any open firearms season on deer must wear two articles of solid blaze orange clothing that are in good and serviceable condition and visible from all sides. One article must be a hat. Moose hunters in the moose district must wear one piece of hunter orange clothing.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: Not specified

Blaze orange camo: Not allowed (solid only)

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

Maryland

In Maryland, all hunters and companions must wear either a solid blaze orange or pink hat plus a vest or jacket containing at least 250 square inches of the orange/pink material on both the front and back. Alternatively, an outer garment with at least 50% orange/pink can substitute. There are some exceptions.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 250 (front and back)

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

Massachusetts

All hunters in Massachusetts during shotgun season for deer must wear 500 square inches of blaze orange on their head, chest and back. During the pheasant and quail season on WMA lands, a blaze orange hat is required.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 500

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes (deer season and upland on WMAs)

Michigan

Michigan recommends hunters wear as much hunter orange as possible, including garments like a hat, vest, jacket or rain gear. Garments must be at least 50% blaze orange and visible from all sides to meet requirements.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Recommended

Square inches: Not specified

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Recommended

Minnesota

During open firearms deer seasons in Minnesota, all hunters must wear a blaze orange or pink cap and additional orange/pink clothing above the waist. For small game and trapping, one article of blaze clothing above the waist is required. All garments must be at least 50% orange or pink.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: Not specified

Blaze orange camo: Allowed if 50%+ orange/pink

Blaze orange hat required: Yes (deer season)

Mississippi

In Mississippi, deer and hog hunters must wear 500 square inches of unbroken hunter orange on the head and upper body during open firearms seasons. Rabbit and quail hunters are required to wear an orange vest or hat.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 500

Blaze orange camo: Not allowed (unbroken only)

Blaze orange hat required: Yes (rabbit/quail)

Missouri

Missouri requires hunter orange to be plainly visible from all sides during firearms deer season, preferably with a combination of a hat and shirt, vest or jacket. Some exceptions apply to archery, small game and migratory bird hunters.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: Not specified

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Recommended

Montana

In Montana, all big game hunters and individuals accompanying them must wear 400 or more square inches of hunter orange above the waist that is visible from all sides at all times. Wearing just an orange hat does not satisfy this requirement.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 400

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Does not meet requirement alone

Nebraska

When hunting deer with a firearm or archery equipment in Nebraska, 400 square inches of blaze orange must be worn on the head, chest and back at all times. Though not required, wearing orange is also highly encouraged for upland hunters.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 400

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

Nevada

Nevada does not require hunters to wear blaze orange, but safety officials strongly recommend wearing a hat or vest to maximize visibility to other hunters.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: No

Square inches: N/A

Blaze orange camo: N/A

Blaze orange hat required: N/A

New Hampshire

New Hampshire does not mandate the use of blaze orange hunting clothing, but officials highly advise wearing a cap or vest for safety reasons.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: No

Square inches: N/A

Blaze orange camo: N/A

Blaze orange hat required: N/A

New Jersey

When hunting small game, upland birds or deer with a firearm in New Jersey, hunters must display at least 200 square inches of solid hunter orange on the head, chest and back. A camouflage orange hat does not satisfy this requirement. Certain exceptions apply to waterfowl and wild turkey hunters.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 200

Blaze orange camo: Not allowed for hat

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

New Mexico

Blaze orange is required only when hunting on military properties in New Mexico - 244 square inches on White Sands Missile Range, and hat plus vest on Fort Bliss and McGregor ranges. However, officials urge voluntary use of orange for safety statewide.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes (military land), No (elsewhere)

Square inches: 244 (White Sands)

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes (military land)

New York

In New York, all big game hunters and their companions must wear a fluorescent hat plus a vest or jacket in either solid or patterned orange or pink. Further requirements and exceptions apply.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: Not specified

Blaze orange camo: Pattern allowed

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

North Carolina

With few exceptions, North Carolina requires a blaze orange hat or outer garment for all firearms hunting of non-turkey/waterfowl species. Landowners and their families are exempt on their own property.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: Not specified

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

North Dakota

In North Dakota, big game hunters and firearms season hunters must wear a head covering and outer garment above the waistline totaling at least 400 square inches of solid blaze orange. Camouflage does not meet this requirement.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 400

Blaze orange camo: Not allowed

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

Ohio

During Ohio's deer gun and primitive seasons, hunters are required to wear a vest, coat, jacket or overalls in blaze orange that is visible from all sides on both public and private land. Waterfowl hunters are exempt.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: Not specified

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Not specified

Oklahoma

Oklahoma big game hunters using firearms must have both 400 square inches of hunter orange and a hunter orange hat or cap on their person. Archery hunters in firearms seasons also must wear either a hat or 400 inches of orange camouflage clothing. Other exceptions may apply.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 400

Blaze orange camo: Allowed

Blaze orange hat required: Yes (firearms), Not specified (archery)

Oregon

In Oregon, youth hunters (age 17 and under) must wear a blaze orange exterior garment or hat when hunting game mammals or upland birds with any firearm. The orange must be visible from all directions. Adult hunters are encouraged but not required to wear orange.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes (youth hunters only)

Square inches: Not specified

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes (or other garment)

Pennsylvania

Hunters in Pennsylvania during regular and special firearms deer seasons must display a minimum of 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on the head, chest and back combined, visible from 360 degrees. Archery deer hunters during overlapping seasons must also comply. Blinds and enclosed tree stands must display 100 square inches of orange within 15 feet of the structure.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 250

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Not required but counts toward 250 inches

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, all hunters and other users of state management areas and undeveloped state parks must wear 500 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange during the hunting season. The orange must be worn above the waist and be visible in all directions. A combination of a hat and vest will suffice to meet the requirement.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 500

Blaze orange camo: Not allowed (solid only)

Blaze orange hat required: Not required but counts toward 500 inches

South Carolina

On wildlife management area (WMA) lands in South Carolina, all hunters must wear a hat or coat/vest of solid international orange while hunting with firearms during any deer, hog or bear season. Exceptions exist for dove, turkey, waterfowl and other migratory bird hunters.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes (WMAs)

Square inches: Not specified

Blaze orange camo: Not allowed (solid only)

Blaze orange hat required: Yes (or other garment)

South Dakota

South Dakota requires all firearm big game hunters to wear at least one exterior garment of solid fluorescent orange that is visible from all sides. This includes hats, shirts, vests, jackets, coats or sweaters. Camouflage orange garments do not meet the requirement.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: Not specified

Blaze orange camo: Not allowed

Blaze orange hat required: Yes (or other garment)

Tennessee

Tennessee hunters must wear on the upper portion of their body and head a minimum of 500 square inches of blaze orange, visible from the front and back. Camouflage orange counts toward this requirement if it contains 500 square inches of orange. Additional Unit CWD regulations apply during the August hunt.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 500

Blaze orange camo: Allowed if 500 sq inches

Blaze orange hat required: Not required but counts toward 500 inches

Texas

On public hunting lands in Texas, each hunter and accompanying individual must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material, with at least 144 square inches appearing on both the chest and back. A minimum of 50% of the garment must be orange. In addition, hunters must wear orange headwear. Exceptions include migratory bird, turkey and alligator hunters.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes (public land)

Square inches: 400 (144 front and back)

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes

Utah

Utah currently requires big game hunters to wear a total of 400 square inches of hunter orange material on the head, chest and back during any centerfire rifle hunt. Pending legislation may alter this rule to mandate only one orange garment such as a hat, cap, vest, jacket, or coat. Check the Utah DWR website for updates and exceptions.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: 400 (pending legislation may change)

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes (or other garment)

Vermont

Vermont does not require hunters to wear blaze orange clothing, but the state's fish and wildlife department strongly encourages all hunters to don orange hats and vests to prevent hunting accidents.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: No

Square inches: N/A

Blaze orange camo: N/A

Blaze orange hat required: N/A

Virginia

All hunters and companions must wear blaze orange during firearms deer seasons in Virginia. This can include a solid blaze orange hat, cap or vest/jacket that is visible from all sides. Alternatively, hunters may display at least 100 square inches of solid blaze orange material at shoulder level within body reach and visible from 360 degrees.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: Not specified for hat/vest, 100 for other material

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes (or other garment/material)

Washington

With some exceptions, hunters in Washington must wear a minimum of 400 square inches of fluorescent hunter orange exterior clothing during any deer or elk hunting season. The orange must be worn above the waist and visible from all sides. A hat alone does not satisfy this requirement. Upland bird hunters and archery deer/elk hunters are not required to wear orange.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes (exceptions for upland/archery)

Square inches: 400

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Does not meet requirement alone

West Virginia

West Virginia requires all hunters participating in a firearms deer season to wear a blaze orange outer garment of at least 400 square inches. This applies to hunting on both public and private land. The only exception is for landowners hunting on their own property.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes (except landowners on own land)

Square inches: 400

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Not specified

Wisconsin

During any gun deer season in Wisconsin, hunters must wear at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink clothing that is visible from all sides. This can include a hat, cap, vest, jacket, coat, sweatshirt, sweater, shirt or coveralls. Waterfowl hunters are not required to follow this rule.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes

Square inches: Not specified (must be 50%+ of garment)

Blaze orange camo: Not specified

Blaze orange hat required: Yes (or other garment)

Wyoming

For any big game hunting season in Wyoming, hunters must wear one fluorescent orange garment - hat, shirt, jacket, coat, vest, or sweater. Camouflage orange does not satisfy this requirement. Only licensed archery hunters are exempt during special archery seasons. Some hunter orange rules also apply to small game hunting in certain areas.

Don't take our word for it, check out the official website.

Blaze Orange required: Yes (exception for archery)

Square inches: Not specified

Blaze orange camo: Not allowed

Blaze orange hat required: Yes (or other garment)

Ultimately, regardless of the specific regulations in your state, wearing blaze orange while hunting is always a wise choice. Even in states where it is not required, wildlife officials universally recommend its use to maximize visibility and prevent accidents in the field.

Remember, as a responsible hunter, it is your duty to prioritize safety—both for yourself and others. By following your state's blaze orange requirements and recommendations, you help ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting experience for all. Always review the most current hunting regulations before heading out into the field, and consider taking a hunter education course to learn more about essential safety practices.

Stay safe, stay legal, and goodluck hunting!