Hunting is an exciting and sometimes dangerous sport that requires proper preparation and protection. Many things are important to hunters, but none more so than the type of clothing you choose to wear.
Possible Answers:
A. Breathable layer worn next to the body
B. Wool sweater and cap
C. Daylight fluorescent orange outerwear
D. Waterproof protective outer layer
While wearing multiple layers and staying warm and dry is important….
A hunter’s most important item of clothing is daylight fluorescent orange outerwear.
Why is Daylight fluorescent orange outerwear the most important item?
Daylight fluorescent orange outerwear is the most essential item of clothing for hunters because of the protection it gives them from other people. Hunters do their best to blend in with their surroundings and camouflage themselves not to be seen by animals. Orange outerwear is the only thing that separates a hunter from his environment. It’s meant to make them stand out, so other hunters don’t mistake them for an animal.
For Your Protection
The second that other hunters spot the daylight orange vest, sweatshirt, shirt, or coat, they know to hold their fire. Many hunting accidents result from hunters accidentally shooting people that they mistake for deer or whatever else they’re hunting. You should never shoot at something unless you’re sure of what it is, but sometimes people get excited and don’t always think before they act. Its better to be safe than sorry.
Fluorescent daylight orange is a truly unique color in nature. There’s usually nothing even close to bright orange in the woods, making it the perfect color to stand out. Orange is especially important for gun season because guns can shoot much farther than bows. Therefore, other hunters don’t have to be as close to fire their weapon in your direction if they mistake you for a deer.
Will Wearing Orange Stand Out to Deer?
Deer are color-blind, which means that orange won’t stand out to them like a sore thumb. If you’re worried that wearing orange will make you stand out to deer as well as hunters, don’t be. Orange is only for the benefit of you and other hunters in the woods and might just save your life during gun season. Deer mainly rely on movement and scent to detect prey.
It’s the Law
Safety and accident prevention is so important in hunting that most states now require hunters to wear bright orange outerwear. It also matters how much orange you wear. A few speckles here and there aren’t enough, as hunters may not be able to see it. Most states require hunters to wear a vest, coat, shirt, or large outer covering that’s bright orange and stands out from the rest of their outfit.
What are Other Items of Clothing Essential for Hunters?
While there’s no doubt that fluorescent orange outerwear is the most important item of clothing for hunters, the list doesn’t stop there. To be successful in the woods, you must prepare and dress accordingly. Let’s take a look at how to dress for success when hunting. Please note this list is in order of importance, but it’s purely a matter of personal opinion. The clothing items most important to you will depend on the climate you’re hunting in and what the area is like.
Waterproof Footwear
No matter what time of year you’re hunting or where excellent footwear is an absolute must. You always want boots or shoes that are waterproof, warm, and comfortable. Whether you’re sitting in a tree stand or walking through a wet meadow, keeping your feet dry, warm, and comfortable is paramount to hunting success.
Warm Camo Hunting Pants
Choosing the right pair of hunting pants is vital for various reasons. You want to stay warm, blend into your surroundings, and have pockets and places to keep other items. Your pants should be every bit as functional as they are warm and fashionable. Also, remember that your upper layer will be bright orange, so your pants are the only part of your body that you can camouflage.
Multiple Layers of Clothing
How you layer the clothing for your upper torso is as important as the clothing items you choose. There’s a method, and a means to stay warm when you’re hunting in freezing temperatures.
Base Layer
Your base layer is where it all begins. Because you might end up sweating at some point while hunting, you want a moisture-resistant base layer. Cotton is your worst enemy for moisture resistance so avoid it like the plague. Find a base layer that will stay dry, warm, and odor-resistant.
Middle Layer
Fleece and other warm materials make for a great middle or insulation layer. Your middle layer is meant to keep your body heat inside rather than letting it penetrate outside.
Outer Layer
Your outer layer should involve a warm, waterproof, and wind-resistant coat or jacket. This is especially crucial if you’re hunting in cold areas where wind and freezing temperatures are a threat. Your jacket can be fluorescent orange, or you can have a different colored jacked and throw an orange vest over top of it.
Gloves
Gloves serve two purposes when you’re hunting – warmth and protection. You’ll likely be sitting in the cold for a while, and your hands are going to get cold if you don’t have the right pair of gloves. Cold hands are your worst enemy when you’re taking aim at your prey. You also want gloves for protection if you’re gutting or dressing an animal in the field.
Warm Socks
Socks are an underrated and often overlooked clothing item. Boots are great for warmth and waterproofing, but warm, comfortable socks will go a long way in increasing your comfort level.
Hat or Beanie
Your head and ears are where you’ll lose most of your body heat when it’s cold outside. Having a warm bomber hat or beanie is essential for staying warm and increasing your comfort level while hunting.
Face Warmer
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget a face shield to protect against the wind and cold. Face shields should be fleece, polyester, or spandex and should be warm, breathable, and not cause sweating.
If you make a list and invest in some of these clothing items, you’ll have a more successful and enjoyable hunting experience. Staying warm, dry, and, above all, safety is the only responsible way to hunt. No matter what other clothing items you choose, ALWAYS remember the fluorescent orange outerwear.
Joseph has been hunting for most of his life. Some of his best memories were growing up sitting in a treestand or a blind and waiting for a monster buck to come along. His main focus has been deer hunting, typically with my trusty 20 gauge shotgun.
I think the hunter’s most important item of clothing is their coat. It keeps them warm and protects them from the weather.
This question and answer options came from a quiz for getting a hunting license. While a coat is important in the winter, its not the most important item year round and in warmer climates.