Mississippi Legislature Advances Bill Allowing Pink Safety Gear for Deer Hunters

The Mississippi House of Representatives has approved a bill allowing deer hunters to choose pink safety clothing as an alternative to the traditional blaze orange. House Bill 526, spearheaded by Representative Randy Rushing, has garnered support for offering a new option and making hunting more inclusive, particularly for female hunters.

Rushing explained that the idea originated from a constituent, prompting him to delve into the proposal. Around 13 other states have already enacted similar legislation including Colorado, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Illinois and others. The bill, currently under consideration in the Senate, aims to permit hunters to wear 500 square inches of unbroken fluorescent pink, with a focus on encouraging female participation in the sport.

Representative Rushing emphasized that there are no downsides to the bill, as pink is deemed as visible to game animals as the traditional orange. He highlighted that pink holds the same status as a safety color, alongside orange and chartreuse green used in various other safety applications.

Reactions to the proposed change have been diverse, with some expressing enthusiasm and others questioning the necessity. However, there has been no significant pushback against the idea, according to Rushing.

Stephanie McGarrh of Merigold sees the move positively, even if they personally opt for traditional orange attire. McGarrh, a bowhunter, supports the measure, stating, “If it gets more women hunting, I think it’s great.” She believes the option of wearing pink will only have positive effects on the hunting community.

Similarly, Katy Rizzo, an avid hunter and Mississippi State University student, is optimistic about the potential change. Expressing anticipation for a more diverse selection of fluorescent colors, Rizzo sees it as a step in the right direction for the hunting community. She emphasized that having multiple color options makes sense for alerting others to nearby hunters.

The bill successfully passed in the House with 110 votes in favor, four against, and four abstentions. It is now awaiting Senate approval, where it will require a majority vote before reaching the Governor’s desk. If the bill secures approval, it is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

What do you think of the option to wear pink safety vests and gear? Would you do it?