Safety orange and blaze pink in South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A bill passed into law this year in South Dakota allows for pink to join orange as a color for hunting safety gear in the state.

Traditional pheasant opener kicks off on Saturday, and while state law only requires hunters to wear fluorescent orange (or now pink) for big game hunts, bill sponsor Republican Rep. Jessica Bahmuller says she strongly encourages people to wear the gear for pheasant hunts too.

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Speaking on the subject of pink, Bahmuller said, "Studies prove pink is brighter and safer because it typically doesn't appear naturally in the fall months. I've been an avid hunter my whole life while promoting safety and involving youth. The bill simply provides a safer environment for hunters and has the potential to involve more youth."

Bahmuller is a mother of three, and said that much to her surprise, her 17-year-old son and his friends were excited at having the option to wear pink.

Bahmuller is proud of the mill, not only for having an impact on hunting, but also because it was passed with the help of her father, Republican Senator Arch Beal. "This is the 1st bill in SD history to be carried by a father/daughter legislator duo," she said.

While you might now be seeing pink out and about more on hunts in South Dakota, you'll likely see more next season.

"South Dakota retailers are very excited to carry more options, however, most retailers placed their apparel orders last fall before the bill passed," said Bahmuller, "so most likely it will be next hunting season before we see them in stores."

In the meantime, Bahmuller said she purchased her pink gear online and will be wearing it out this weekend.