In Colorado orange is not required for small game. I dont often wear it. I don't worry about being shot.

I figure hunting accidents of any kind are quite rare, and the majority of accidents which do occur are not cases of mistaken vision. Clothing color is irrelevant nearly all the time.

The vast majority shootings are due to accidental discharges, carless gun handing, sweeping folks, and similar. Heavens, 1/3 of cases are actually self-inflicted gunshots. I'm more likely to shoot myself than be mistaken for a deer.

Horror stories of somebody being mistaken for a deer or bear are the very rare exceptions. I estimate the hazard of some elk hunter on the next ridge shooting me as too low to worry about. Ive got more pressing things to feed my paranoia.

One other thing: I cant help but think another reason fish and game departments require hunter orange is because law enforcement is much easier when the suspects glow in the dark. Just saying


Last edited by RyanF; 01/09/12 08:19 PM.