If you're snugged against a tree, fencerow or in a hunting blind this season, don't blink if you see anything in bright neon pink hunting clothing.
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill approving use of what's known as "blaze pink" for hunting safety apparel. Rauner signed the bills during the 2018 Illinois State Fair Conservation Day. The bill was co-sponsored by state Rep. Jerry Costello II, D-Smithon, Rep. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro and Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Godfrey.
Hunters in Illinois may now wear blaze pink apparel instead of blaze orange. The bright, neon pink color stands out similar to the blaze orange traditionally worn for decades.
“We want to make sure that Illinoisans are able to hunt and enjoy the outdoors safely,” Rauner said. “The new legislation provides more variety in hunting gear while preventing tragic hunting accidents in Illinois.”
Illinois joins Wisconsin, Colorado, Louisiana, Minnesota, New York and Virginia in allowing blaze pink. It will be allowed beginning Jan. 1, 2019.
Blaze pink apparel already is sparking new apparel lines for hunters, such as from DSG Outerwear. More states are likely to approve the color, leading to more opportunities for businesses and hunters.
The Belleville News-Democrat also reported that Rauner signed legislation that requires convicted deer poachers pay restitution to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The fines for bucks will be based on the number of antler points. The summary of House Bill 5317:
“Raises the fair market value or replacement cost of various species protected by the Act. Provides that a person who possesses whitetail antlered deer, in whole or in part, captured or killed in violation of the Act, shall pay restitution to the Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $1,000 per whitetail antlered deer and an additional $500 per antler point, for each whitetail antlered deer with at least 8 but not more than 10 antler points. Provides that for whitetail antlered deer with 11 or more antler points, restitution of $1,000 shall be paid to the Department per whitehead antlered deer plus $750 per antler point.”
