Why Fluorescent Orange Could Save Your Life This December in RI

December brings more than just the holiday season in Southern New England, it also brings shotgun deer season.

As another hunting season gets ready to begin this weekend, the public is being warned to take precautions.

Whether you are a hunter yourself or simply a nature lover looking to enjoy the great outdoors, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) is reminding you to start wearing orange as of December 6th.

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Why December Means Hunter Orange Is a Must

Splashing plenty of orange over my winter wardrobe is a warning I take very seriously each winter, after a close call many years ago.

I once foolishly made the mistake of heading out for an early winter walk with a friend of mine while wearing a light brown coat and hat with white fur trim (I know!).

READ MORE: AAA's 20 Most Dangerous SouthCoast Towns For Deer Strikes

Doubling down on the idiocy, my friend and I had chosen to walk in a state forest that was also a popular hunting ground.

A Personal Near-Miss and Hard-Learned Lesson

Neither one of us was wearing any orange and when we heard shots ring out during our walk, our massive mistake was immediately obvious. In a state of panic, we both started shouting things like "Don't shoot" and "We're people" as we hurriedly made our way back to our cars.

READ MORE: What Happens If You Hit a Deer in the Road in Massachusetts?

Luckily nothing bad happened that day and the lesson was definitely learned. I now have shirts, hats and vests in fluorescent hunter orange for myself, my husband and my kids and we wear it out walking even if we aren't on land where hunting is allowed.

What RIDEM’s Orange Requirement Entails

RIDEM calls for 500 square inches of solid, fluorescent orange to be worn above the waist from now until January 2, 2026. Pet owners are also reminded to put orange vest of their four-legged friends too. Dogs should be kept in sight and on a leash when walking outdoors this time of year as well.

Better safe than sorry absolutely became my motto that day years ago and I hope others enjoying nature this December take the same precautions.