Boating While Hunting? Safety and Equipment Still Apply
PIERRE, S.D. - Waterfowl hunters may not think of themselves as boaters, but if a boat is used for their hunting outing, they need to remember the key points for boating safety and the necessary equipment requirements.
Game, Fish and Parks Boating Safety Coordinator Al Bahe gives a number of safety tips and equipment requirements to help waterfowl hunters safely prepare for their next hunting adventure on the water:
 | Hunters need to have a life jacket, also called a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), on board for each person. The life jacket must be properly sized for the intended wearer, readily accessible and in good, serviceable condition. Hunters could consider using a "float coat," which is simply an U.S. Coast Guard approved insulated parka that functions as a life jacket, and they do come in camouflage. According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, more hunters die from hypothermia and drowning than from accidental gunshot wounds. |
| If the boat is 16' or longer, a Type IV throwable flotation device is also required. |
| Navigation lights if on the water before sunrise or after sunset, which is typical for waterfowl hunting. |
| Be careful not to overload the boat. Decoys, waders, guns, ammo and ammo boxes, dogs, heavy clothing, etc. all add considerable weight to the boat. Be sure to check the vessel's capacity plate for maximum weight. |
| Wear a life jacket to and from the blind, with or without waders. Even hunting from shore w/out a boat, wearing a life jacket is a good idea when setting out and picking up decoys because footing can be unstable, underwater obstacles, holes, drop-offs, etc. |
| Learn how to float in waders and hip boots or don't wear them. |
| Stay near the shore and avoid crossing large expanses of open water, especially in bad weather. |
| Give someone your hunting plan before you go. Your plan should include information about where you are going and when you expect to return. Then check in with that person when you do get back to avoid unnecessary concern and possible search efforts. |
| Before you go, make sure the boat motor is running well, especially in colder weather conditions. And check the local weather forecast before you go! |
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