Whether it’s deer, turkeys, or wild hogs, Florida’s hunting seasons offers something for many hunting enthusiasts. Before heading out for your next hunting venture, it’s important for you and other hunters to know how to remain as safe as possible. The same is true for dogs who come along on any outdoor excursions. As you prepare for your next outing, here is some helpful information on hunting apparel as well as a few steps to take to keep your four-legged friends protected, too.

What Hunting Apparel to Wear

One must-have staple is fluorescent orange clothing. The bright hue allows hunters to be easily spotted by other hunters. In Florida, deer hunters and those who come with them are required to wear “a minimum of 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange material as an outer garment” above the waist, which can include head coverings.

Jackets, hats, and pants with camouflage designs are also popular hunting apparel. There are a variety of light-, mid-, and heavy-weight versions to accommodate different weather conditions. Most have varying degrees of insulation to keep the body warm and dry. Insulated gloves, hats, and boots also provide protection in cold and wet environments.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe

Many hunters like to bring their dogs with them during seasonal outings. To avoid accidents, it’s important to keep these furry companions safe, too. Owners should also place florescent orange vests on their dogs so they too can be identified by other hunters. Another way to keep them protected is with a bell collar. As they run, the sound will alert fellow hunters to not mistake them for wild animals.

In addition to the appropriate hunting apparel, there are other safety precautions for dogs. These include keeping them on a leash in hunting areas. Make sure your pet is also current on their vaccinations. If not, they can be susceptible to catching Lyme disease or rabies from wild animals. Like humans, dogs are also vulnerable to hypothermia and dehydration. During cold weather, designate an area for them to warm up. If the weather is hot and humid, provide plenty of fresh water to prevent heat exhaustion.

Hunting season is an exciting time in North Florida, and observing state rules and regulations is important for keeping everyone safe. For all of your hunting apparel, Farmers Cooperative in Live Oak, FL, is your trusted resource. For 72 years, the one-stop shop has provided a large inventory of vests, boots, pants, jackets, socks, and more for a broad range of weather conditions. Call (386) 362-1459 or visit their website for more information about other farming essentials such as animal feed and propane.