Should New York State Make This Hunting Safety Tip a Law?

Hunting season is officially underway in New York, and while there are safety regulations in place for hunters and their companions, some residents are wondering if these laws should extend even further.

Growing up in Ulster County, rifle blasts in the autumn were just a part of life. So was the knowledge that the safest way to avoid being part of a tragic accident was to be as visible as possible to local hunters.

Staying Safe in New York During Hunting Season

Our biggest obstacle was our dog; a 120-pound hound mix that was roughly the size, shape, and color of a white-tailed deer. Whenever we would go on walks, we always made sure to wrap her in as much fluorescent orange as possible... but what does the law say?

Bright Colors Help with Hunting Safety

While both people and pets wearing bright orange (and bright pink) are suggested ways to stay visible to hunters, it's not required. Some neighboring states, however, have taken things a step further.

Read More: Is it Still Legal to Trap Animals in New York?

What Does New York Law Say About Wearing "Hunter" Orange?

In New York, hunters and their companions have specific requirements for how much fluorescent orange or pink they need to wear. In neighboring Pennsylvania, these regulations extend to anyone on state land during hunting season (below).

Pennsylvania Requires All State Land Users to Wear Safety Colors

The state of Pennsylvania requires anyone on state lands to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange above their waist (or a hat of the same color) between November 15th and December 15th. Should New York follow suit?

New York Shares Hunting Safety Statistics

The New York State Assembly shares that "hunters wearing [fluorescent] orange are seven times less likely to be shot" in a hunting accident. Logically, similar safety improvements should be true for non-hunters present on hunting grounds.

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Currently, most states do not require hikers, bikers, or horseback riders to comply with wearing "hunter" orange during hunting season (and states like Vermont don't even have the regulation for hunters). If New Yorkers are to safely share the land with hunters, however, uniform safety requirements could help everyone involved.