Michigan's Hunter Orange Law: A Historical Perspective

In 1977, Michigan became the 16th state to enact a law requiring hunters to wear hunter orange, also known as blaze orange, while in the field. The law was enacted to reduce hunting accidents and fatalities in the state, as hunter orange helps to better distinguish hunters from their environment. All firearm hunters in Michigan are required to wear blaze orange clothing that is visible from all sides when hunting on any land during daylight hours.

Hunter orange requirements for hunting blinds

In 1977, Michigan became the 16th state to require hunters to wear hunter orange while afield. This was done to reduce hunting accidents and fatalities in the state. In 2004, a bill was proposed to amend the state's Wildlife Conservation law to require hunting blinds to be hunter orange in colour as well. This was to address the fact that the purpose of the hunter orange clothing requirement was defeated when one sat in an enclosed hunting blind.

The bill would prohibit a person from using a blind to take game on public hunting land unless hunter orange is visible on the exterior surface of the blind from all sides. The bill defines a blind as an enclosure used to help conceal or disguise the occupant for the purpose of taking game. It does not include an enclosure built from dead natural materials found in nature.

The bill would not apply to:

• Persons hunting deer with a bow during the archery deer season
• Persons taking bear with a bow
• Persons taking waterfowl, crow, or turkey
• Persons using a blind while hunting—the hunter orange clothing requirement would not apply to them

In addition to the above, there are some general requirements for hunter orange clothing in Michigan:

• All firearm hunters in the state of Michigan are required to wear blaze orange clothing that is visible from all sides when they are hunting on any land during daylight hours
• Examples of acceptable blaze orange garments include hats, caps, vests, jackets, rainwear, or other outer garments
• Camouflage hunter orange is legal providing that at least 50% of the surface area is solid hunter orange
• Exceptions to the hunter orange requirement include waterfowl, crow, dove, and wild turkey hunters, as well as bow deer hunters during the open archery season

Hunter orange requirements for firearm hunters

In 1977, Michigan became the 16th state to require hunters to wear hunter orange while afield. The law was enacted to reduce the number of hunting accidents and fatalities in the state. All firearm hunters in Michigan are required to wear blaze orange clothing that is visible from all sides when hunting on any land during daylight hours from August 15 to April 30. This requirement does not apply to hunters using a blind, hunting waterfowl, crow, wild turkey, or those engaged in falconry. It also does not apply to archery or crossbow bear hunters or those stationary and hunting bobcat, coyote, or fox.

Hunter orange, also known as "blaze orange" or "fluorescent orange", is a bright colour that makes hunters visible to other hunters. This helps to prevent accidental shootings. While deer cannot see this colour, other hunters can, and wearing it could save your life.

In Michigan, acceptable blaze orange garments include hats, caps, vests, jackets, rainwear, or other outer garments. Camouflage hunter orange is legal as long as at least 50% of the surface area is solid hunter orange.

In addition to the clothing requirements, hunting blinds in Michigan are also required to have visible hunter orange. Hunting blinds are used to conceal one's location while hunting, so it is important that they are also visible to other hunters.

It is important to review the specific hunting regulations for your state before heading out into the field. While hunter orange is required in most states, there may be variations in the amount of hunter orange required and any exceptions to the rule.

Exceptions to hunter orange requirements

In 1977, Michigan became the 16th state to enact a law requiring hunters to wear hunter orange while in the field. The law was enacted to reduce hunting accidents and fatalities in the state.

• Hunters who are stationary and in the act of hunting bobcat, coyote or fox.
• Hunters pursuing waterfowl, crow, wild turkey, or falconry.
• Bow deer hunters during the open archery season.
• Bear hunters using archery or crossbows.
• Hunters using blinds, though blinds used on public land are required to have visible hunter orange on the exterior surface from all sides.

History of hunter orange laws in Michigan

In 1977, Michigan passed Public Act 68, which mandated that hunters wear hunter orange clothing—officially known as "blaze orange"—while in the field. This law was enacted to address the growing number of hunting accidents in the state, with the belief that requiring hunters to wear highly visible clothing would help prevent incidents where hunters mistakenly shoot at other hunters, mistaking them for game.

The law specifies that hunters must wear a hat, cap, vest, jacket, or rain gear in a highly visible orange color during daylight hunting hours from August 15 to April 30. This requirement applies to those hunting with firearms or traps and does not include those hunting waterfowl, crow, wild turkey, or engaging in falconry. Additionally, archery and crossbow deer hunters are exempt from this requirement outside of specific seasons, such as the early antlerless, youth firearm, and November firearm deer seasons.

The hunter orange requirement has had a significant impact on hunting safety in Michigan, contributing to a dramatic reduction in hunting accidents and fatalities over the following decades. Recognizing the effectiveness of this measure, Michigan introduced additional regulations in subsequent years to further enhance hunter safety.

In 2004, House Bill 5914 was proposed to address the concern that the purpose of the hunter orange requirement was defeated when hunters used enclosed hunting blinds. The bill aimed to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to mandate that hunting blinds on public land display hunter orange on the exterior, ensuring visibility from all sides. This amendment was supported by the Department of Natural Resources and was consistent with existing hunter orange requirements, excluding specific hunting activities such as archery deer hunting and waterfowl hunting.

Today, Michigan continues to enforce the hunter orange requirement for the safety of its hunters, and this requirement is now standard practice in most states across the country.

Penalties for non-compliance with hunter orange laws

In 1977, Michigan became the 16th state to enact a law requiring hunters to wear hunter orange while afield. The law was enacted to reduce hunting accidents and fatalities in the state. Hunters are required to wear hunter orange or hunter pink during daylight shooting hours from August 15 through April 30. The clothing must be visible from all sides and must be the outermost garment. Camouflage orange garments are legal as long as 50% or more of the surface is in hunter orange.

Failure to comply with hunter orange laws in Michigan can result in penalties and fines. According to Michigan's Hunting Digest, non-compliance with hunter orange requirements falls under the violation "Failure to Wear Authorized Color While Hunting" (MCL 324.40116). This violation carries a range of penalties, including:

• Imprisonment of up to 90 days
• A fine ranging from $50 to $500
• Loss of hunting privileges at the discretion of the court

It is important to note that hunting laws and regulations can vary depending on the county and local municipality in Michigan. Therefore, hunters should always review the specific rules and regulations for the area they plan to hunt in before heading out.

Frequently asked questions