After witnessing a potentially dangerous situation duck hunting last week, we would like to remind everyone of a few waterfowl safety procedures.
*Always wear a life jacket. It is so easy for us to think in our slower moving duck boats, kayaks, and canoes that we won’t get in the water. Sometimes we are not the cause of why we hit the water, but it happens anyways. With the gear that most of us wear and carry, swimming may not be an option for even the strongest of swimmers. Waders can really prohibit our swimming ability so a life jacket is important when we are traveling to and from. We recommend one of the mesh top life jackets that is made by many manufacturers. This still allows for shooting for the kayak and canoe hunters, but provides the necessary safety.
*Boat lights and flash lights need to be used at night. We always recommend carrying multiple flashlights when going in or coming out in the dark. Flashlights and batteries fail. Boat lights should be on when traveling by motor in the dark. Kayaks and canoes should have a flashlight available to signal other boaters. Flashlights can also be used to signal for help. Carry several with you when going out.
*Boat limits need to be adhered. The manufacturer puts gear and person limits on their boats, canoes, and kayaks. If you overload the boat, be prepared for a cold swim.
*Get a floating gun case. Whether you are using a used, new, or passed down gun, it is important to you. After spending hundreds on decoys, boats, and clothes, don’t go cheap on your gun case. A floating gun case can be found for under $50 and will save you additional heartache if something does happen.
*Always observe gun safety. It doesn’t matter what type of hunting you are participating in, always observe gun safety for the good of everyone.
We are in the middle of the split of duck season. The season reopens on Saturday and we hope everyone has a safe and successful remainder of the season.
Dirt Road Dispatch 