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By MICHAEL MARTZ
Arundel Newipapen Staff Writer
RICHMOND — Hunters throughout Virginia would have to wear a bright orange hat or vest during deer season under a bill that passed the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources on Monday morning.
One of two “blaze orange” bills before the legislature, the Senate version originally applied • only to counties west of the Blue Ridge, but the committee amended it to apply statewide.
Its purpose is to reduce the number of hunting deaths and injuries that occur each year, especially during deer season. The state encourages hunters to wear orange hats or vests now, but the bill would make it mandatory, with a $15 fine for each violation. The orange clothing would have to be visible from all sides.
The bill includes several exceptions to the mandate. It would not apply during the portion of deer hunting season restricted to muzzle-loaded weapons (as well as bow and arrow).
It also would not apply to ducks, geese or other waterfowl hunting from blinds or hunting dog trials permitted by the Commision of Game and Inland Fisheries.
The measure has the support of the commission and the Virginia Farm Bureau, whose representatives spoke for it during
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