Neglecting safe boating procedures during waterfowl season can prove costly.
Cold and water can be deadly combination for late season waterfowl hunters. The waterfowler needs to exercise due caution for safe enjoyment of his sport.
Hunters are aware of the need to practice safe gun handling, but the firearm is not the only danger for the waterfowler. Precautions are necessary to avoid getting too cold or wet. Hypothermia (the lowered body temperature that is a killer) can happen in a few minutes without the hunter even being aware of what is going on. It is a silent killer.
A boating accident can put the hunter in the water before he knows what happened. The key to avoiding such accidents is to avoid those behaviors that cause them. Do not stand or move about in a small boat. Keep the load of your boat within the weight limits specified on the manufactures recommendations. And do not distribute that load unevenly.
When traveling from one location to another, do not decelerate suddenly. This could allow the stern wake to overtake the boat and swamp it by washing over the transom.
For those venturing out during icy weather, it is vital to wear a personal flotation device (a life vest). This is important whether in a boat or just walking on the ice. It is possible to fall through the ice and have difficulty getting back to shore. There are inflatable life jackets which are comfortable and will inflate in seconds.
For those in boats it is important to remember that the law requires a PFD for every person in the boat. This means hunters as well as summer recreational boat users. A fact often overlooked by waterfowl hunters.
Other pitfalls for the waterfowler relate to the safe use of guns and awareness of the surroundings in which one is hunting. Use common sense when handling firearms either in the boat, on land or traveling to and from the hunt location.
Be sure all guns are unloaded and the action open when moving from one location to another. Under some conditions you must encase these weapons. This includes ferrying from a boat launch area to the blind.
Muddy shorelines and fields can be very loose footing. Carrying a loaded shotgun in such conditions is asking for trouble. Unload your weapon whenever you may be in a situation that could cause you to lose your footing. In or out of the boat, slippery footing distracts you from the safe handling of your gun.
Often waterfowlers are moving about before sunrise or under very foggy conditions. Look around and be aware of other hunters who might be in the area. Waterfowl accidents that are vision related often occur as a result of hunters winging on game or not looking where they are walking with loaded guns. Keep guns pointed away from any neighboring hunters. It is easy to slip and fall, discharging your weapon.
Careless handing of firearms causes the majority of waterfowl hunting accidents. Handle your weapon with caution. Keep it unloaded until actually hunting. Make sure the gun has a secure rest in the blind and keep your dog away from it. Every year someone has an accident where their dog knocked over the gun and it discharged.
Waterfowl hunters have a very good safety record. But, any accident is one too many. Practice common sense and caution and have a great day out there.
For more information on lodging accommodations as well as outdoor activities in Williamson County, or to receive a free color guide, contact VisitSI at 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion, IL 62959. Call 800-GEESE-99 or email info@VisitSI.com. Current information is also available online at www.VisitSI.com.
Speak Your Mind
You must be logged in to post a comment.