What Is Appropriate Hunting Attire?

Clothing selection is an important consideration before going hunting. Not only must hunters consider their outerwear, but they also must think about the garments they wear closer to their bodies. In some instances, hunting attire is determined in part by regulations. In many areas, for example, firearms deer hunters have to wear blaze orange. In other cases, the weather or style of hunting play a larger role.

  1. Blaze Orange

    • In states such as Minnesota, hunters who chase animals such as deer and pheasants are required to wear blaze orange exterior clothing. The regulation is in place because blaze orange is highly visible and reduces the risk that hunters will accidentally shoot one another. There are a wide variety of blaze orange options available, from vests that are comfortable in warm weather, to jackets and pants that keep hunters warm even when the temperature is below zero.

    Camouflage

    • When most people think hunting, they picture camouflage clothing. Indeed, many people who use archery to hunt for deer, or chase species such as waterfowl and wild turkeys, wear camouflage, which is designed to help hunters blend in with their surroundings. Like blaze orange, camouflage clothing spans the gamut in terms of warmth. Early-season archery deer hunters may wear little more than a long-sleeve camouflage shirt and jeans, while late-season duck hunters need a camouflage jacket and pants that keep them warm in the cold and snow.

    Hat and Gloves

    • Hunters can buy hats and gloves in blaze orange or camouflage colors. Such attire is a necessary part of staying warm during cold-weather hunts. Wearing a winter cap is especially important to hunters who remain still for long periods of time because it keeps them from losing heat from the top of their head. Even when hats are not necessary for staying warm, they alert other hunters to your presence -- in the case of blaze orange -- or reduce the likelihood that an animal will spot you.

    Inner Layers and Underwear

    • The clothes hunters wear beneath their jackets and pants are just as important, especially from a comfort and warmth perspective. Socks that wick away moisture are good for people who spend much of their hunting time walking, while thick, wool socks are better for those who spend a lot of time sitting. Long underwear tops and bottoms are also good for staying warm. No matter what the temperature is when you hunt, dressing in layers is a good idea. Hunters who walk a lot can remove clothing as they get too warm, while those who walk in to their hunting spot and then sit for long periods of time can add clothes while they sit, and then remove them before walking again.