Follow These 11 Tips To Make Hunting From a Boat Safer

Hunting waterfowl can be a great time to bond with friends or family, but it is important to take the proper precautions to keep everyone safe.

Small boats can be more tricky to maneuver than larger ones which can lead to problems for many. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics report, 342 people died while using boats less than 16 feet long, which make up the vast majority of hunting boats. Also, small hunting boats are more prone to tipping when both two- and four-legged passengers move about. And because these boats usually have flatter bottoms to help provide more stability, they do not operate quickly or smoothly like other types of boats used for recreation and transportation. In addition, most hunting occurs during the fall or winter months when birds are migrating so the water is likely to be cold, which can be dangerous should anyone fall overboard.

Follow these tips so you can make hunting by a boat safer:

1. Everyone should wear life jackets at all times while hunting from a boat, even your hunting dog. And yes, they make camoflagued life jackets.
2. Never exceed a boat’s maximum weight limit, which is displayed on its yellow capacity plate. Consider the weight of the rifles, decoys, gear, and any hunting dogs that may be in the boat with you.
3. Keep the boat balanced by placing heavy items in the center of the boat as low as possible. When boarding, passengers should also step in the center of the boat to avoid tipping.
4. Keep all firearms unloaded with the safety on and keep them in their case until you are ready to use them so there are no accidental discharges.
5. When shooting a hunting rifle, remain seated in the middle of the boat. Standing makes the boat top-heavy, and the recoil can make a hunter lose his or her balance and fall into the water or cause the entire boat to tip over.
6. Use a specially designed boarding ladder for your hunting dog, and make sure your boat also has one for people. Trying to get back into the boat once you are cold and wet is difficult enough without a boarding ladder.
7. Place and retrieve decoys with a net rather than leaning over the gunwale and also teach hunting dogs how to safely leave the boat and return without tipping the boat over.
8. Avoid going out on the water in rough conditions, whether in a small or large boat. Flat-bottomed boats do not handle waves well and can become swamped and/or capsize.
9. File a detailed float plan and give it to friends, family members and your local marina.
10. Do not use alcohol and drugs while operating a boat or hunting.
11. Dress in layers with your life jacket on top and prepare to get wet if you should fall overboard. Should a boater fall overboard in chilly water, their first reaction is a cold water shock that causes involuntary, rapid breathing. This only lasts about a minute and knowing what to expect ahead of time can prevent panic. After this phase passes, the person only has about 10 minutes (depending on the air and water temperatures) to get out of the water themselves or summon help before losing the ability to swim, climb the ladder, or yell for help. Once swim failure sets in, the life jacket will help keep them afloat, especially if they become unconscious.

Enjoying a hunt on the water can be a lot of fun while putting food on the table. Taking the proper precautions will help keep everyone safe. For more fall safety boating tips, please visit here.

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