A new state law approved in late 2008 allows persons holding a valid permit to hunt from a standing vehicle or a person with disabilities hunting while using an off-road vehicle to display an orange flag to identify themselves as a hunters with disabilities hunting properly under the law, the Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters this fall.

The new law is intended to prevent misunderstandings between sportsmen and sportswomen that might arise when confronted with an ORV operating in an area open to hunting. It is important for hunters to understand that under certain circumstances, ORV use is permitted, said Lt. Andrew Turner of the DNR's Law Enforcement Division.

Turner said the new law simply allows hunters with disabilities to display an orange flag if they so choose. The law does not require a flag, and there are no size or height requirements in the law for the flag. The DNR chose orange for the flag color because orange flags are readily available, highly visible, inexpensive and commonly used for safety purposes.

"It is important to note that this new law does not grant any additional privileges, such as cross-country operation, for ORV operators with disabilities," Turner said. "It simply allows them to be identified as such."

Turner added that the new law will be included in future updates to the Michigan ORV Guide.

For more information on hunting opportunities in Michigan, visit the DNR's Hunting Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrhunting.