I would like to know the opinions of other hunters when it comes to wearing some form of safety orange during the rifle hunts. For the purpose of this discussion, I'd like to keep it limited to hunting elk with a rifle in the state of AZ.
I've been fortunate to draw a late November bull tag in a unit I've hunted 3 of the last 5 years, and it amazes me that 90% of the hunters I encounter in the field are decked out in full camo without a hint of orange.....and I'd like to know why?
I get that most (including me) have a closet full of hunting clothes, and most of which is probably in some form of a camo pattern. But why is it that no one seems to think it makes sense to at lease put on an orange hat or vest? Not only does orange offer an element of safety (not getting shot), but it helps us not disrupt someone else's hunt, or visa versa. Some of these units become very crowded, and I think it would help everyone to not be "hidden" from other hunters. There's nothing more frustrating than spending 45 minutes glassing a ridge or the side of a canyon, only to finally see some movement then realize it's another hunter glassing back in my direction. Had that person been wearing orange, I probably would have seen them sooner and moved on to a different location.
We all know that elk see movement...not color, so why is it that most rifle hunters chose not to wear orange?