Why Your Hunting Dog Needs Blaze Orange
Your dog is a fantastic hunting partner, so you need to keep him safe while you're out there.
Just as you must meet state requirements for blaze orange, your dog would be safer if he wore the bright color, too.
It can be easy for other hunters to mistake a dog running through the trees or a field for the game they're after. However, if your dog has the right amount and type of blaze on, they will stand out as your hunting partner (rather than a buck taking off through the woods).
Today, we will talk through some suggestions to make Spot easy to spot while you're in the field.
Why Dogs Need Blaze Orange
When choosing a breed of dog to be your hunting partner, you're investing time and resources into an animal that should help you bring home more deer or ducks for your freezer each season. You're also choosing a beloved pet that you want to protect every time you go out for a hunt.
Just like human hunters, you help your dog stand out from wild game when it wears a blaze orange vest, collar, or leash. The bright orange is visible to other hunters, and it's also visible to you, so you avoid firing a shot at your dog rather than a buck.
As your dog follows the scent of the game you're pursuing, the bright orange also helps you follow your dog in the brush so you're there for the shot when he roots out your game.
So, as you prepare for your next hunt and plan to take your hunting dogs, make sure they have the right blaze orange equipment to keep them safe.
What Blaze Orange Should My Dog Wear?
There are plenty of options to dress your dog in the appropriate amount of orange for a hunt. While most states don't place blaze orange requirements on hunting dogs (like they do for human hunters), you can improve your dog's safety in the field with any of the following items.
- A Nylon Reflective Adjustable Dog Collar
- A Waterproof, Rustproof Blaze Orange Collar
- An Orange Paracord Collar
- Reversible Reflexite Band Collar
- A Visibility Vest
- A Rope Slip Lead
- Dog Boots
- An Adjustable Harness
- A Recreational Dog Pack (to hold all his gear!)
- Dog Flotation Vest
While your dog probably doesn't need everything on this list (and there may be other items that work best for your dog), ultimately, it's up to you how much orange gear your dog wears during a hunt.
Additionally, make sure your dog is comfortable while being highly visible in the field. If a collar or vest isn't comfortable, your hunting dog may not be able to perform at their best to help you bring home the harvest you're after.
Learn More About Blaze Orange and Hunter Safety With Hunter-Ed
If you didn't realize your dog needed blaze orange gear for a hunt, we're glad you're here and reading this article! It's crucial to make sure all of your hunting partners – human and canine – are safe before and during a hunt.
The best way to ensure everyone stays safe is to take a hunter safety course through Hunter-Ed and get certified. When you and your hunting partners understand crucial aspects of hunter safety, everyone enjoys more safe hunts every season.
So, since your dog can't get their safety certification, make sure you get yours! Find the course for your state, and start learning for free with our online study guide.
Originally published September 25, 2015. Content updated July 3, 2023.
