January 11, 2008Proposal seeks to increase blaze orange requirementsAmong the hunting-related bills proposed this week in the General Assembly is one that would change blaze orange requirements and which could have a major impact on hunters. House Bill 872 would change the current blaze orange law. It would require that hunters and anyone accompanying a hunter wear blaze orange during any deer firearms season, including muzzleloader seasons. It would increase the minimum amount from 100 square inches to 250 square inches, and eliminate the provision that allows someone to display blaze orange at their hunting spot (by tying a ribbon around a tree, for example). Now, we all know why the current law was implemented for general firearms seasons and not for archery or muzzleloader seasons. The thinking was that because bows and muzzleloaders were close range weapons, hunters would be less likely to mistake a hunter for a deer. That was then and this is now. Most of us also know that modern muzzleloaders are not exactly close range weapons. Just look back through this blog at pictures of big bucks shot with muzzleloaders and see the ranges at which those deer were shot. So if blaze orange is a good idea for general firearms hunting -- and I think most of us agree it is and safety statistics bear us out -- isn't a good idea for muzzleloading hunting? But here's the rub. Black powder seasons sometimes -- often, actually -- run concurrently with other seasons during which blaze orange use would not be embraced. While archery deer hunters wouldn't be crazy about blaze orange, I think folks would eventually get used to it when the realize it isn't hurting their hunting. (And, I really think it wouldn't.) Turkey hunting is another thing. I'll be honest. I don't know how well turkeys see blaze orange. I plan to ask the experts. But I do know that turkeys have amazing eyes, which is why we wear head-to-toe camo when turkey hunting. I also know that I had turkeys hang up at about 40 yards this fall one day when they saw the blaze orange flap on my hunting pack. They didn't spook, but they didn't come close enough for a bow shot. Anyway, I'm working on a column on this and other proposed legislation. I'd be interested to hear what you all think about the blaze orange proposal. Is it fair? Could it be better crafted? Should the rule be left as is? |
About this blog
While growing up in rural Southern Oregon, Mark Taylor developed a passion for the outdoors while he and his younger brother tagged along with their father on fishing, hunting and camping adventures. Graduating from Northwestern University in 1988, Taylor spent four years as an officer in the U.S. Navy based in Norfolk before moving into journalism. After five years writing about the military for a Norfolk-based publishing company, he became the outdoors editor at The Roanoke Times in 1998. He lives in Roanoke with his wife and twin daughters. .....Advertisement.....
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Comments
[January 11, 2008 7:42 PM]
Alfie HHey Mark. I was wondering if there was an increase in accidents or deaths during the past few seasons. Is there any way to check the stats on accidents since lnlines have been introduced and scopes allowed.Just trying to figure out their logic. Alfie
[January 11, 2008 8:47 PM]
David ScottI don't mind having to wear blaze orange during muzzleloader season, there seems to be alot more people in the woods than there was a couple of years ago. However, increasing from 100 to 250 sq inches, seems a little over the top.
[January 12, 2008 1:43 PM]
BenI can see the good intentions behind the Bill, but as the writer points out, turkey season runs parallell to dear muzzleloader season. Turkeys have extremely good eyesight.
[January 13, 2008 7:40 AM]
kirk jeysi have never heard of a good reason to weare blaze ornge to begene with. if people can,t tell the difrence betwene a man or deer or turky bear or what every. thay don,t nead to have a gun inthe woods to begine with!
[January 13, 2008 10:33 AM]
BacklashBlaze Orange should not be limited to just the hunters this should be strictly enforced on the hikers in the woods. Just this past season while hunting up near Audie Murphy Monument.
I was down over a path 100yds down the embankment using the Doe in Estrus Call. Getting some response from smaller bucks when I was startled by a rushing in the leaves coming straight at me I raised my rifle feeling it was a rutting buck.
What I saw was black peaking the rise, then I thought bear looking for food thumbing my safety off leveling my rifle it turned to be a hiker using ski poles dressed in all black no orange. Asked him why aren't you wearing orange safety vest during hunting season.
His feigned ignorant reply hunting season you mean it's hunting season. I was very upset with this clown because all he could do is smile and walk away. He did this to two other hunters near the power lines as well.
Let's face it if it was not for the misguided Timothy Treadwell groupies hunting accidents would be one incident lest for the statical data books.
[January 13, 2008 10:43 AM]
jim Ratcliffi have always worn my blaze orange in muzzleloader season,it only seems safe considering im carrying a gun! we have ran up on people who wasnt wearing it and they seem to worry about why we have it on...honestly..i worry because they dont! a big plus is i hunt national forest and if i see orange on a ridge i can hunt elsewhere,if i dont see it i may ruin another hunters day.
[January 13, 2008 11:45 AM]
Al MIltonMark,
Blaze orage is a good thing. However why do we need this proposed change? Has there been an increase in hunting accidents during early and or late muzzzleloader season?
Oh by the way, I see DIGF Conservation Officers in the field during hunting season in full camo uniforms. They never wear blaze orange. Do we have a double standard?
[January 13, 2008 3:07 PM]
Mark TaylorThanks for the comments, everyone.
To address a couple specific questions/points.
There doesn't seem to have been a marked increase in muzzleloader accidents in recent years. As I pointed out in my Roanoke Times column this morning, the DGIF reports that of the 10 fatal two-party shootings in the five years prior to this season, only one involved a muzzleloader. But there was also that fatality this fall in Bath County. It got quite a bit of press attention, and you guys know how that goes. Remember the General Assembly session after the horrible boat crast at Smith Mountain Lake a couple summers ago? Everyone and his brother introduced some kind of "boating safety" legislation, and a lot of it was not well thought out.
Backlash, you make a good point about hikers. Many do wear bright colors during hunting season, and hiking clubs encourage it. I've even seen vests made specifically for hikers (including one with the condescending message: "Don't shoot, I'm a hiker"). But some, like the guy you encountered, just don't think about it, or care. But a mandatory requirement would be an enforcement nightmare, I'm afraid.
Al, I know you and I have discussed this before so I hoped you'd chime in. Good point on the conservation officers. It seems they would want to be seen for safety. while on regular patrols. But maybe they feel their ability to stay in "stealth mode" is more important. It would be interesting to find out if they have an official policy.
As for the minimum requirement, David, I know 250 square inches is a number used in some other states. The current minimum seems to be working pretty well.
I really would be surprised if this bill gets passed as written.
Thanks again for reading.
mt
[January 14, 2008 12:41 PM]
TonyI'm fine with the increase in blaze orange. Let's face it, if it saves one life, or eliminates just one injury, it's well worth it. Hunter safety education is the key. I'm not sure how to word this without sounding like an ass, but Backlash is the kind of hunter that concerns me. Read his comments. He shouldered his rifle and took it off safe before he properly identified his target. Based on my research of hunting related accidents, most are the result of the shooter not properly identifying their target before shooting. Thank God Backlash didn't fire his weapon or we'd be reading about another hunting related death. I'd recommend that he take a refresher course in hunter safety. As hunters, we need to realize that we often share the wildness with others, hunters and non-hunters as well. They have the same right to enjoy the woods as we have as hunters. Hunters have the additional safety responsiblities associated with the use of a weapon in pursuit of our passion.
[January 16, 2008 12:36 AM]
BacklashTony
You did not read my post carefully. This hiker was an obvious animal lover. Hint my comment on the name "Timothy Treadwell".
This is a common tactic PETA, and animal lovers by spooking hunters from the woods by giving them the feeling they could have shot a person instead of their quarry. I left parts out in the hope people would gather the obvious from the fore mention name. Also by shortening the story, it didn't work. Bummer...
This hiker had a blaze orange vest another part left out was he draped it over his head and pack area. Till he felt he was out sight took the vest off and stuffed it in his shirt. All this points to trying to disturb hunters had I not lost my cell phone signal it would have been interesting for him to explain his actions to the Game Warden.
The fact is these eco-terrorist is gaining strength and numbers. They have stopped bear hunting in New Jersey and even had money allocated for the homeless in one state to be reused giving deer birth control pellets which failed also New jersey.
To put your mind at ease I am very careful of other hunters and go over the area I am about to hunt days in advance also carry four blaze orange vests.
Why four? I wrap one around each of the nearest tree to me and even in my Treestand I tie one above me and the one I wear.
When you see this as other hunters have you will know it's me.
[January 17, 2008 6:57 AM]
TonyBacklash,
This is not a personal assault. I read your second comments and gave you the benefit of the doubt. Maybe I didn't read your original comments carefully. I read them a second time. I've got to be honest, now I'm more concerned. I'm going to assume you were hunting with a scoped rifle. Assuming that is the case. You've got a hiker in your crosshairs, safety off finger on the trigger......this terrifies me Backlash. You are ready to kill something black. All you have to do is determine if it's a bear or not. You mention that you hunt from a tree stand. I'm not sure that you were hunting in a treestand when this took place. It really doesn't matter. This could happen in a stand, on the ground, sitting. Now you have this black object in your crosshairs with the safety in fire position. You're ready to pull the trigger as soon as you know what this black object is. You watch as it approaches. You're ready, finger on the trigger, still not knowing what this black object is, but you're ready to kill it. Backlash at that very moment a buck that has responded to your doe in esterous call and has snuck up silently behind you, busts you. He snorts loudly, you are startled and you touch the trigger. You just killed a man. What do you tell the authorities? I thought it was a bear. I didn't know what it was, but I was ready with my rifle shouldered, safety in fire position waiting for it to appear. You sound like a pretty experienced hunter. I'm an experienced hunter. Not always, but more often than not I can identify an approaching animal by the sound they make while walking. It takes a little practice but it's fairly easy to differentiate the sounds of deer, squirrels, rabbits, birds, dogs, etc.. Backlash you seem angry. Mad at Treadwell, mad at PETA. I understand that they use disruptive tactics. You seemed to have known that PETA types do this where you hunt. You have to be more careful because of this knowledge. I'm an animal lover. I have loved every pet I have ever known. Dogs, cats, hampsters, gerbels, birds.....I loved them all. I love to hunt. I know that every time I pull the trigger I am going to end the life of a wild animal. I pause a second before each shot and make sure it's what I should do. There have been many times when I didn't pull the trigger.....more often than not I didn't feel like it was the safest shot. Backlash I'd like to ask you as a hunting friend to do the same. Don't shoulder your weapon and never take the safety off until you have identified your target. Once you know for sure it's the proper quarry, take just a couple of seconds before the shot and ask yourself if this is what you should do. If you would do this you'll never make a mistake in what you kill. As far as the blaze orange. Blaze orange has saved many lives. Blaze orange is a false security blanket that many hunters rely on. You are one of those hunters. Some take the approach....."If it doesn't have any orange it must be an animal". If every hunter properly identified their target before pulling the trigger we'd read about very, very few hunting fatalities. I urge all of us to make sure before we shoot. I'd rather say I couldn't get a shot off at the biggest buck I've ever seen because I wasn't sure......than say I killed a man while I was shooting at the biggest buck I've ever seen because I wasn't sure. Backlash.....buy a pair of field glasses. You have a safe and happy year.
[January 17, 2008 10:06 AM]
MikeTony, I agree with many of your points. I learned early on from my dad, and then again through a hunter safety course, that you never use a rifle scope to do the job binoculars are meant to do. To me, it doesn't matter whether or not a rifle is on -safety, you simply never point a weapon without identifying the target. It can be easy to lose focus after you're hit with an adrenaline rush when hearing something (or somebody) approaching. You're right, a couple of deep breaths to steady your nerves also allows the time to make sure what's approaching. As for the blaze orange issue, I'm fine with whatever decision is made. I firmly believe that blaze orange has never interfered in a hunt. I focus more on wind/scent control and noise to get deer within shooting range.
[January 18, 2008 3:04 AM]
BacklashHere we go again... Let's start with some intravenous feeding okay.. First of all I was on the ground hunting, if you hunt from a high enough vantage point you can see anything clearly enough to recognize man or beast.
Secondly have you guys ever had a dog run through dry leaves toward you. Have you ever listen to a person walk through dry leaves. These sounds are very distinctively different.
Question: why would a hiker that have a higher advantage point rush through the forest toward a hunter? I felt I have made my point clear on this subject. "He knew I was there from sound or sight".
Understand this a bear running full tilt can cover a hundred yds. in under 8 seconds. I have only seen a bear run through the woods once and I will say 4 seconds is about right these animals are very quick. Now if you guys taken time out too read my posts on the Franklin County Buck or Sunday hunting you will realize that my ideals of hunting runs just as deep as yours. Yet there is always a need from people for me to prove my ability to hunt.
I carry four vest to make my position known to others because my first time in my treestand 2005 an idiot was going to shoot up in the tree I was in he said he thought I was a bear and came over to be sure hence more jackets.
Since I have been hunting in Virginia, people seem to feel I don't know a deer from a cow to a human being. I also carry binoculars around my neck to check for hunters in the area I may be in the farthest I have shot a deer is about 50 yds. Shooting over pasture land or meadows is just not wise.
Understand this accidents happen because someone make them happen. 1973 animal lover tries to stop hunt by wearing bear suit it worked animal lover accidentally killed. 6 Sep 2004 Peta members tries to stop dove hunt Peta member injured while running into field.
I hope I have made my point to you guys. probably not you may feel how you want and the U.S. Constitution First Amendment gives you the freedom of speech.
For my fears are of you the other hunter with to much experience that seem to know everything and never making a mistake.
Remember over confidence sunk the Titanic.
[January 18, 2008 12:31 PM]
Joey HHey Backlash, dont let`m get to ya.I may catch some flack too, but when I hear something coming that could be a deer, I always get myself situated in the direction, if its close, like getting ready to pop over a ridge, I even put the front of the rifle on my knee, facing in the general direction and if its close enough, ill push off the safety and put my cheek down to the stock, but I keep my shooting finger inline with the rifle, right above the trigger guard, that way, even if something startled me, my finger isnt on the trigger for a mishap, that way when the potential deer comes into sight, there isnt any movement, other than to move my finger, to be seen to harvest it, anyways, dont let these guys get to you man, isnt worth it, good luck in the future
[January 19, 2008 8:47 AM]
BacklashYour words are refreshing as the summer dew. In a time when our hunting rights and privilege's are being threaten unity is needed not secular thought.
Yet with in our time a Democratic Presidential hopeful put out an TV ad that hunting is "just plan silly". Some would see this and wonder why hunt on Sunday when hunting is silly.
Our rights and passion for the hunt have been under attack with higher licensing fees for fishing and hunting. When will the critics relent. Maybe when it's appropriate to wear suits and ties in the meat department in areas supermarkets instead of camouflage in the woods.
As the silliness of our arguments continue over bows or crossbows those oppose to hunting will aim there dollar at the lobbyist that will help cover the landscape with no fishing/ Hunting Allowed signs.
If we are to protect our rights as hunters we will need rational conversations on the subject instead of verbal assaults. For the season of 2006 Through out the United States hunters and fishermen spent a total of $40,000,000,000 dollars to pursue their dreams. The average park visitor $10,000,000.
You must ask yourself, who is truly the wards of the National Forests and Parks. In California a Democrat single out hunters for the possible fires when irresponsible campers and arsonist were the blame.
Let's look at the bigger picture here the direction of hunting. This year in Jefferson National forest I saw about ten cars and two campers for general firearms season when their usually about sixty or more.
What happen the price of licenses, the price of gas or simply the need for Mo' Money Mo' money your money. The stakes has been raised and the hunting heritage is losing.
Instead of criticizing this should be consider in the ballot box the next time you can't find your favorite fishing lure or ammo.
The Madonna and George Clooney crowd do not make government policy. They don't even live in the United States yet their voice have more volume than ours.
VOTE.
Backlash Christiansburg
[January 29, 2008 10:15 AM]
TonyBacklash, my comment's were not intended to be a personal assault. There is no reason to carry four blaze orange vests with you. Safe hunters know what they intend to kill before they make that shot. Balze orange shouldn't be the deciding factor on whether or not to shoot. Proper identification of the target needs to be the deciding factor always. The person wearing the bear suit that was killed wasn't accidental. The hunter that pulled the trigger failed to identify what they were shooting at. They intended to kill their target and did so. Knowledge of this type of behavior from animal right's activist group's places a higher burden of safety on all hunters. I assure you that if you take your time you will have just as much success as if you hurry a shot. If I didn't get excited when I heard a deer approaching I'd quick hunting. If I got overly excited when I thought a deer or bear was approaching and shot a person.......I'd be unable to continue hunting. I'm asking as a fellow hunting friend to please be careful. Under no circumstances shoulder your weapon and take the safety off until you are absolutely sure you want to harvest the animal. If you follow this basic code of safety, under no circumstances will you ever kill what you shouldn't. Let's face it Backlash, stories about the one that got away are more entertaining sometimes than the one you killed.
Your hunting friend, Tony