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knight1776

32 Cal
Joined
Apr 26, 2022
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Hey yall I was wondering if anyone had any way to deer hunt in historic kit but follow blaze orange laws. I live in TN. Thank you for anyone who gives any info.
 
I have a blaze orange toque and have use just one of those very light weight mesh vests and still get fully dressed out in 18th century gear.
It may not be fully accurate but with the laws it's the best I could do.
 
Orange capote custom made by Northwest Traders. Orange voyagers hat hand knit from marino wool by my wife, but you can buy orange hats from various traditional clothing merchants.

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I like the orange capote
Thank you.

Below are two pictures that show it better. Northwest Traders (Northwest Traders) was exceptional to work with. They don't normally carry orange blankets so they had to have one special made. I also asked for heavier wool since I'm in Minnesota and we can have sub-zero temps to deal with. In addition, I had them add an additional inside pocket. These are custom made to your measurements. I have two of their capotes and highly recommend them.

The hat in these pics is from Jas Townsend.
Blaze Orange Voyageur's hat

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Hey yall I was wondering if anyone had any way to deer hunt in historic kit but follow blaze orange laws. I live in TN. Thank you for anyone who gives any info.
In addition to the orange knit hat, I have a blaze orange cape that I can add to my hunting shirt during hunting season. It doesn't get that cold here so an orange capote really isn't a "go" for me very often, and our DNR down here is very persnickity about what is "blaze orange". I can't find a photo of me in it but here is a shirt image that I altered with some paint software to give you a visual idea...

Hunting Shirt Blaze Orange.jpg


LD
 
In addition to the orange knit hat, I have a blaze orange cape that I can add to my hunting shirt
our DNR down here is very persnickity about what is "blaze orange".
It is important to understand the orange laws in effect where you will hunt. I love the cape idea, but in Minnesota it would require a rather large cape as we have to have no less than 50% blaze orange above the waist...the law states "a pattern of at least 50% blaze orange within each square foot." Don't need it on sleeves, so a blaze weskit would be OK, but that probably won't be enough warmth in our later seasons.

I have no doubt that a warden having a bad day might ticket me for not wearing BLAZE orange with the capote. Even being color "blind" I can see the difference between my true blaze hat and the capote color. But, I feel comfortable that I shouldn't get shot in it.

I still think red should be good enough. If someone shot at a guy wearing the old red plaid outfits of the 50's they should not be allowed to have a dangerous weapon in their hands! Heck, if you can't identify your target of any color.....
 
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It's usually cold here for muzzleloading deer season, and often wet. I went with a few yards of hunter orange wool fabric trimmed down to some dimensions I saw listed for an 18th century match coat and trimmed the cut edges with wool tape.
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Keeps me warm and dry and keeps gun and gear dry too in wet weather. More than enough orange to meet our 400 square inch requirements.

I was really amazed and pleased how much wind and wet a simple piece of well fulled wool fabric will block.
 
I also have an orange caped hunting shirt/frock,
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(old pics)

But to be honest, as cool as a proper hunting shirt/frock can look,,, the more I wear a regular 18th century man's coat,,,, the less I like the caped shirt. I find the cape a pain in the neck when slinging my shot pouch, horn, bag for miscellaneous stuff, and possibly a water gourd, over my shoulders.
 
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