Blaze orange vs. camouflage debate

Hunter Orange Affects Safety, Not Success

Near the end of the southern zone deer hunting season it was late in the afternoon on a gray, overcast day as Terry Yardley and I hunted a piece of private property that sloped down into a brush filled creek bottom. Terry hunted the high ground while I was sitting on watch in the swampy area near a creek crossing. I could hear the sound of hooves clacking on the rocks of the creek and occasionally picked up the sounds of a large deer circling me in the lowlands.

Then I saw it as it emerged a distance away, still within brushy cover, and paused broadside. It was a nice buck and well within shooting range. As I shouldered my rifle and found the deer in my scope, I also distinctly saw something else: A large patch of orange directly in line although slightly above the buck. It was Terry who had positioned himself along that hillside. Although he was above the line of flight of any normal shot, I was not about to shoot since any malfunction, human error, or deflection of the bullet could easily send a bullet in Terry’s di

rection.

I waited for the buck to take a few steps forward and present a safe shot but the buck eventually bolted and took off running. Disappointment?, yes, but a small price to pay for a human’s safety. Another case of Hunter Orange identifying another person in the line of fire.

There has been a lot of talk and controversy about the recent DEC proposal to make Hunter (“Blaze Orange”) mandatory in big game season while using firearms or crossbow. DEC has advocated this for several years and would probably require it in return for liberalizing starting and closing times of the hunting hours. Some hunters applaud this idea and already use it, while others say it would make them too visible and claim that they will defy it.

Before hunters get themselves worked up into a frenzy they should consider the facts. We do not hear of any real problems from hunters in Colorado where elk hunters are required to wear it. Wearing orange would not be required during bow hunting season where hunters typically get 15 — 25 yards from their quarry. It is not required during turkey or waterfowl seasons where the quarry has excellent eyesight and does see color.

Scientific studies and personal experiences have shown that deer are spooked by movement, not color. They do not see colors like red and orange, but do see blue.

One graphic example occurred several years ago when some deer walked by me while I was sitting on a hillside, sitting perfectly still, although wearing an orange vest over a red and black coat. Yet they spotted a hunter on the opposite hillside, in full camo who was shuffling around trying to stay warm.

On several occasions I have had deer that stopped and stared at me within 10 yards, wondering what I was as long as I did not make any movement. Any movement, and of course scent, will send them flying. In all of these cases I was wearing “Breakup Orange”, a pattern of blaze orange and dark brown vest.

On the other hand camo jackets that have become some shiny or semi glossy through age or use are easily visible and will gather attention and spook deer. Even the traditional green and black wool jackets or red and black wool coats (“Pennsylvania Tuxedos”) were effective in breaking up outlines and hiding hunter shapes. It is easy to see why camo clothing is popular. The same jackets, shirts, coats,or pants that we wear in bow season can double in regular season without additional cost.

These garments are usually made of fleece, and are warm, quiet, and comfortable.

Many hunters who use these simply add a lightweight vest in blaze orange or breakup orange, and probably an orange hat and they become highly visible to other hunters.

Hunters would not need the added expense of a new wardrobe. Spending a few bucks for a new lightweight vest and hat would comply with the proposed law and increase their safety. It should not affect their success. Statistics show that of the 2 party hunting accidents most occur at close range and the majority were not wearing some orange clothing. Be smart, not a statistic!

SHORT CASTS Boat Safely & Courtesy

This coming weekend will be Labor Day weekend and there will be lots of boats on the water enjoying the holiday and New York’s many resources. Whether you will be tubing, fishing, heading to a destination, or out for a ride keep safety in mind.

Avoid the use of alcohol while boating. It is always a good idea, but especially with the extra traffic you do not want to have your ability impaired. Know the rules of the road and be aware of other boaters, fishermen, etc. Watch your speed, particularly in nowake zones. With high water in many bodies of water, be sure to observe the “no wake — 500 feet rule.”

Courtesy also extends to the use of the boat launch ramps. Have all your gear stowed aboard and systems ready to go before you approach the ramp area. The same goes for pulling the boat out of the water. Drive away from the ramp before completing the tiedowns, packing up gear, dividing up fish and the other usual tasks. Don’t tie up the area and delay others from using it. Make sure the holiday weekend and your experience on the water is a pleasant and safe one.

Deer Management Permits Available Now

Deer Management Permits which allow hunters to take an antlerless deer are available now through October 1. These are designed to help keep the herd in balance through removal of does and the numbers available are determined by the success of hunters, numbers that usually apply, and the desired population levels.

Apply at any licensing agent or by phone through the DECALS system.

Odds of hunters getting DMP are good for most areas, and the odds for a second DMP vary. ”Handicap” sheets giving the chances of getting DMPS in any given Unit are posted at licensing agents, on line at the DEC hunters website, or in some current publications like New York Outdoor News.

Plan on applying in the next couple weeks after you do your homework on odds and availability, etc. The odds are the same throughout the month and are picked by lottery when you apply, so there is no need to rush. It is a far cry from the old days when we had a deadline to mail our applications in, and postmasters like John Sullivan stood waiting by the counter on the last day to stamp our applications with the date and postmark! If an area is seriously undersubscribed, additional DMUS will be issued by lottery to people who were originally denied.

Labor Day

Next Monday, September 6 is Labor Day, A holiday set aside to honor working men and women. Hopefully you will observe this by family picnics, fishing trips, and similar activities. One unique way to mark the day is with a float plane sight-seeing trip over the Central Adirondacks. Jim Payne of Payne’s Air Service is located on Seventh Lake beyond Inlet and offers great tours that can be adapted to your interest. Call Jim at 315-3573971 or 357-2079.

Events at VNSP

Vernon National Shooting Preserve reminds everyone that the Sporting Clays course is open all week to the public as well as members. Ammunition is available for rounds on the course as well as purchase to take. The Fall Classic is scheduled for Sunday, September 12. There are NSCA and Hunter Classes and everyone is invited to come and enjoy the course.

There is still time to register for the 14 th Annual Clubs & Clays Event on Saturday, September 4th . Start by shooting a round of clays at VNSP, enjoy lunch, then head to Barker Brook Golf club for 18 holes of golf with dinner to follow. There are teams of four, but individuals may be fitted into existing groups looking for a full team. Call 315828-2529.