Newbie question about Hunter orange

[Bushmoose]

so technically we're in violation of the rules when the pack is on and you're walking through the bush.

Uhmmm, no you're not. Reg.s just say 400 square inches and must be visible from all sides. Doesn't say how much has to be visible. This topic was beat to death a few times on here, I hope it doesn't erupt again?

[Guelph1981]

Uhmmm, no you're not. Reg.s just say 400 square inches and must be visible from all sides. Doesn't say how much has to be visible. This topic was beat to death a few times on here, I hope it doesn't erupt again?

http://www.oodmag.com/hunting/hunter-orange/

Well according to this article article northernontario is right.

[Bushmoose]

http://www.oodmag.com/hunting/hunter-orange/

Well according to this article article northernontario is right.

I don't see anything there that say's he is right? The article just quotes the regs. to say "[COLOR=#000000]“The garment referred to in subsection (1) must be solid and not open mesh clothing with a minimum total area of not less than 400 square inches above the waist and visible from all sides. O. Reg. 665/98, s. 26 (2).” - See more at: http://www.oodmag.com/hunting/hunter-orange/#sthash.Q28qcdMA.dpuf"

Just curious, but if a person is wearing a vest, are they supposed to walk around the bush with their arms raised high in the air, so as to not block the two sides?

[GW11]

Yes and no... because the backpack straps are covering your orange on the chest (and I assume the straps aren't orange)...

I've never seen it be an issue. If you have covered the pack in orange, have a vest on, and a hat on... you're a giant mono-coloured beacon in the bush. It's not camo (even orange camo)... so even to a colourblind hunter you will standout. I don't think anyone I hunt with has an orange backpack... so technically we're in violation of the rules when the pack is on and you're walking through the bush.

I emailed a CO about this and posted the answer on here a year or two ago. According to that particular CO, you're fine to wear any colour of pack over your blaze orange. The law is not to split hairs, it's to make sure we wear at least a blaze orange hat and vest when in the field. Anything more (like covering your pack with an extra vest, etc.) is an extra safety precaution that's your call to make. Here's the question and answer.

Hello,
I'm curious about blaze orange requirements when wearing a backpack. Obviously, a backpack will cover up a significant portion of the blaze orange vest. Would you consider this as having less than the required 400 sq inches of visible material? Are there other variables to consider? I suppose a 250 lb man would have more visible blaze than someone who is 150 lb. It came up in a discussion recently and would like to have some clarification.
Thanks,

Greg

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry. We apologize for the delay in responding to your email.

As long as you are wearing the required 400 square inches there should be no problem. You should remember however that wearing a backpack that covers a large portion of your hunter orange makes you less visible to other hunters. You may choose to purchase an orange backpack or cover your existing backpack with a piece of orange fabric or an orange vest.

We hope you have found this information helpful. If you require further assistance contact the Natural Resources Information Centre toll free at 1-800-667-1940.

Regards,

[Rugger]

From Guelph 1981's article

[GW11]

Hi Rugger, I read that article too and it sparked a debate here when it came out. I was told otherwise (in writing) from a CO. Sure, maybe one CO's interpretation will be different from the next, but if I worried that much about every possible interpretation of the law I wouldn't be able to muster up the courage to head afield.

As a side note, I've been checked by CO's in the field while wearing a pack over my orange and it wasn't an issue. Same as it isn't an issue to step inside a full camo ground blind while wearing blaze orange.

[JBen]

Is there much difference wih respect to visibility when
1) wearing a back pack
2) Leaning against a tree while on watch?

It does seem strange that a back pack would be ok, but broken (camo) or mesh not ok.

Who knows but maybe the logic behind it is by wearing the vest your complying. If you then add a pack your still in compliance, but taking your own risk.

[Rugger]

Hey GW11, my post was in response to Bushmoose's post about not having seen anything about backpacks covering the vest. Posted the pic in case it wasn't coming up for some. As for your experience I have no doubt as I don't doubt the poster who was fined or warned about not having an orange helmet cover while on an ATV during moose season. As always what we do/ wear (to some extent) is up to the interpretation of any CO at the time, all we can do is follow the "regs summery" to the best of our ability.

[Bushmoose]

Hey GW11, my post was in response to Bushmoose's post about not having seen anything about backpacks covering the vest.

You're correct Rugger, I didn't take note of the pic. Guess I was focused on the print? At any rate, I would like to say, I am a keen advocate of the law regarding hunter orange. In my books, it's just safe common sense to wear it, law or not. If people want to cover their back packs with orange, by all means, go ahead. In my opinion though, it is not required legally. That's it, that's all.

[Guelph1981]

You're correct Rugger, I didn't take note of the pic. Guess I was focused on the print? At any rate, I would like to say, I am a keen advocate of the law regarding hunter orange. In my books, it's just safe common sense to wear it, law or not. If people want to cover their back packs with orange, by all means, go ahead. In my opinion though, it is not required legally. That's it, that's all.

To be clear I have no issue about wearing a backpack over your orange vest. People need to transport their gear in the field. I was just pointing out that there is literature out there that says it is illegal to cover a vest with a backpack. I dont think any co with a little common sense would bust someone for this. But we all know how common sense isnt so common these days so its possible someone could end up fighting in court because of how a co interprets the regs. Whether wearing orange or decked out in camo we should all be doing our best to keep each other safe and making sure of our targets and beyond before pulling the trigger. Stay safe this season everyone!