Boat Safety for Waterfowl Hunters
COLUMBUS - In an effort to ensure that waterfowl hunting remains a safe and enjoyable activity, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft reminds hunters to follow safe boating tips as statewide waterfowl hunting seasons open October 18.
Waterfowl hunting success improves throughout late fall and early winter as waterfowl abundance increases, water temperatures cool and boating conditions become more dangerous for hunters who may not be adequately prepared for such extreme conditions on the water. Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to follow these boating safety tips. Additional information about cold weather boating, fishing and Ohio’s waterfowl hunting seasons can be found online at ohiodnr.com.
- Hunters must follow all boating rules, which include having required safety equipment and life jackets aboard at all times.
- Hunters should wear a U.S.C.G. approved life jacket, vest or flotation coat anytime while on the water and while seated in a boat.
- Check the capacity plate and be certain to properly load and not overload a boat being used for hunting. Pay particular attention to the weight of boating occupants in addition to the weight of hunting dogs, decoys and other hunting gear and that all loads in the boat are properly balanced.
- To set out decoys, simply toss them overboard. Recovering decoys is best done using a long pole with a hook that will deter persons from leaning over the side of a boat and possibly causing it to capsize.
- Firearms should be properly secured and kept unloaded while being transported in a boat.
- Hunters need to be dressed for the water temperatures instead of air temperatures to avoid the risks of hypothermia should a cold water immersion occur.
- File waterfowl hunting and float plan by telling a person of responsibility the names of all persons in your hunting party, the type of boat and registration number you are using during the hunt, the location and time of hunting activity and when you expect to return. In this fashion, rescue personnel can be summoned if a hunting party gets in trouble.
- Be prepared to handle emergency situations to include obtaining emergency help when needed and to render assistance to others as may be need should they have an unexpected emergency.
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