Measuring the color of blaze orange

"Hunter Orange," also known as "Blaze Orange" or "Fluorescent Orange," is a vibrant color used in safety clothing for hunters in the USA. This color is specifically chosen to ensure visibility and prevent accidents during hunting activities. While there is some debate about how animals perceive this color, it is widely recognized that it stands out prominently to humans, including those with firearms.

Why do hunters wear blaze orange clothing and hats?

360 USA Brand Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity Camouflage Blaze Orange Vest as a safety precaution. It is a legal requirement in many states to wear this color to distinguish hunters from game animals and minimize the risk of accidental shootings. Blaze orange is highly visible from a distance and cannot be mistaken for an animal. Some states have specific regulations, such as mandating the use of a blaze orange vest and hat or requiring hunters to wear at least 144 square inches of blaze orange. The bright color serves as an alert to other hunters in the vicinity, as it is distinct from any animal coloration and most animals cannot perceive its intensity. The International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) provides information on the licensing requirements for the use of Hunter Orange clothing in the United States. These requirements vary from state to state. For example, in Colorado, for deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, or bear hunting during any firearm season, it is mandatory for hunters to don a minimum of 500 square inches of conspicuous blaze orange or pink material as an outer garment above the waist. This requirement encompasses wearing a hat or head covering as well. It is important to note that orange camouflage does not fulfill this obligation, and bow hunters are exempt from wearing blaze colors during archery-only season.

What is the orange color measurement?

The IHEA does not specify how to measure the color of Blaze Orange. To determine the color characteristics of this safety color, reference is made to the ANSI ISEA 107 American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear. This standard, developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), covers various aspects of safety clothing and provides guidelines for measuring blaze orange color: "The color should be measured according to the procedures defined in ASTM E1164, using polychromatic illumination with D65 and 45/0 (or 0/45) geometry, and the 2-degree standard observer." The following metrics should be reported: Y Brightness/Luminosity, which should not be less than 40% (>= 40%) EP (Excitation Purity), indicating saturation, which should not be less than 85% (>= 85%), indicating high saturation DW (Dominant Wavelength), indicating the hue of the color, which should fall between 595 mm and 605 mm, representing a vibrant orange shade To ensure accurate measurement, it is recommended to use a textile sample with a thickness of 3-4 layers to achieve opacity. Placing a tile behind the sample helps maintain even pressure and keeps the swatch flush at the measurement port. Taking at least two readings per measurement with a 90-degree rotation between each reading is advisable. It is also recommended to measure a sample area of 25 mm or larger to obtain the best average representation of the color swatch.