This news item expired on Friday, January 31, 2014 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Home From The Hunt™ safety campaign is reminding hunters to follow blaze orange requirements.
In North Carolina, hunters are required to wear a cap, hat or an outer garment in blaze orange that is visible from all sides when hunting bear, feral hogs, deer, rabbit, squirrel, grouse, pheasant or quail with a firearm. Hunters are also required to wear blaze orange while hunting with a bow on Sunday during the muzzleloader or gun season.
Blaze orange, sometimes known as hunter orange or fluorescent orange, is instantly recognizable and signals caution to the viewer.
Home From The Hunt™ recommends anyone spending time outdoors in areas shared with hunters wear blaze orange. Blaze orange clothing stands out against an outdoor background and studies have proven it increases visibility of the wearer in low light situations. Blaze orange also can be helpful in locating someone lost or injured.
“Wearing blaze orange is an easy and convenient safety step,” said Travis Casper, the state Hunter Education Program coordinator.
All hunters must follow applicable licensing requirements and hunting regulations. For more information, go to www.ncwildlife.org or call 919-707-0031.