State lawmakers have approved a new color to protect young hunters in New York's forests and countryside: fluorescent pink.
A bill passed by the Assembly this week and the Senate last month would make solid or patterned pink an option for the typical fluorescent orange worn by hunters.
Either expanse of protective color would be required for licensed deer or bear hunters who are 14 or 15 years old and their accompanying adult.
Currently at least half of their garments above the waist must be fluorescent orange and visible from all directions, amounting to at least 250 square inches.
Sponsors say pink is meant to appeal to girls, who represent a relatively small but growing percentage of hunters. Overall, participation in hunting has been declining in New York state.
