WATERFOWL HUNTING CAN BE A KILLER

The birds cup their wings and drop down out of the overcast sky. They are coming right into the decoys. The excited call of a female mallard that Charlie is making encourages the birds to drop closer.

Charlie shouts “Take em” and we rise to shoot. That is where all goes wrong. The boat tips and Charlie is toppled into the cold water. Suddenly the ducks are forgotten as the mad scramble to pull Charlie out of the water takes over. It must be done before he gets hypothermia.

Many waterfowl hunters do not consider themselves to be boaters and therefore do not pay attention to on-the-water safety programs and recommendations.

Some studies show that more hunters are victims of boating accidents than are to gun shot wounds.

Cold weather means fewer people on the water. If the hunter ends up in the water, his chance of someone being close enough to rescue him decline with the onset of cold weather and cold water.

The most important aspect of water safety for the hunter is to wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD.) National statistics show that eighty percent of boating deaths come from drowning. If the hunter can keep from drowning, his chance of surviving a boating accident increases dramatically.

The same PFD that one wears in summer will not necessary fit in winter with all the extra clothing that a waterfowler might be wearing. The extra expense of buying one that is much larger to fit over hunting clothes is worth the money.

Waterfowlers are usually wearing a lot of clothing, unlike summer anglers. If they fall out the boat while picking up decoys, then the clothing becomes a hindrance to movement in the water. Recent developments of clothing that floats will help a great deal. Another way to avoid such accidents is to use a grappling hook to retrieve decoys so that the hunter does not lean over the side of the boat.

Another way to avoid toppling out of a boat while waterfowl hunting is to not stand up when shooting. By being able to shoot from a kneeling or sitting position, ones center of gravity is lower and he is less likely to fall or tip over the boat.

During pre-season one could practice by shooting off a bucket or bench from a sitting position. It would then come naturally while on the water. Additionally practice with life jacket on also makes it easier to shoot when out hunting. Others might laugh but it could save lives. No duck or goose is worth your life.

Be aware of the weight of ALL the people and things in your boat. If only two hunters are going hunting, they often do not think of the extra weight they are carrying in terms of guns, cooker, heaters, decoys, camo netting, etc. The extra thing can quickly over weigh the capacity of the boat and get one in trouble.

Changes in weather can be sudden and threatening during the hunting season. It is important that you not only have a boat that is not overloaded but also an engine that is adequate for the boat. The motor might have to be able to get you through heavy waves if the wind should suddenly come up or a storm blow in on you.

Whitecaps can capsize a boat and it is possible to become entangled in camo netting and expend a great deal of energy that is needed for warmth. It is vital to get to dry land and get dried out immediately.

If you capsize, it is recommended that you not try to get back to the dock. Get to the nearest dry land and build a fire to dry out. The fire will also help those looking for you to find your position. You might have to spend an uncomfortable night around the fire swapping hunting stories. But, that is better than trying to get back home and dying from exposure or hypothermia.

If you have left a message with someone as to where you will be hunting and when you plan to return, they will send help when you do not arrive home at a reasonable time. Your chances of being rescued in a timely fashion are immensely increased.

Other information you might leave with someone is your vehicle description, license number, where you plan to put the boat in the water, etc. All these things give rescuers a better chance of narrowing the search to the area you plan to hunt.

Cell phones are a boom to the waterfowler. If you are going to change your plans then call the person with whom you left the information. Maybe you decide to hunt the other side of the lake from your original plan or perhaps you decide to stop for eats on the way home instead of going directly home. All this helps anyone looking for you from wasting efforts that might be needed to save your, or someone else’s life.

It is important to have the boat motor in good working condition. Pre-season checking of waterfowl hunting equipment must include the boat and motor. Out on the water in freezing temperatures is a lousy time to be doing boat or motor repairs.

If you are getting ready to call it a day and then discover that the main lake water has whitecaps three feet high, it is time to stay put. It is better to spend the night around a campfire in a cove and a little hungry than to be wet or worse on the main lake. A little gas from your motor and some driftwood on the shore will keep you alive in cold wet conditions. It is important to use some common sense and stay alive.

Common sense and preparation can keep waterfowl hunters out of trouble on the water.

                                                         Don Gasaway - The Upland Hunter
                                                         http://www.dongasaway.wordpress.com/