| Fall is usually duck and waterfowl hunting season. | | | | regardless of the size of your boat. Most boaters |
| So if you are planning to go on a boat waterfowl | | | | carry the seat cushion type of floating device. |
| hunting at this time, ensure that the trip is safe | | | | - Enough fuel, which you can ensure that you do |
| for everyone with careful preparation. While out in | | | | have for your whole hunting trip by following the |
| a hunting field, waterfowl hunters know the | | | | rule of thirds when planning your fuel use - use 1 |
| importance of practicing some extra safety | | | | 3 when you set out, 1/3 for your return trip and |
| precautions. | | | | reserve the last third of the fuel for emergencies. |
| Some upland bird hunting skills can also be used in | | | | - Marine VHF radio (handheld), which is more |
| the waterfront, but other skills and customs are | | | | reliable than cell phones. |
| distinct to the setting. This is particularly true in | | | | Boat Hunting Safety Reminders: |
| safe boating when pursuing waterfowl. Some of | | | | Since a boat is an unstable craft that restricts |
| the things to take into account include preparing | | | | movement, you need to keep in mind certain |
| the boat and hunting from your boat safely. | | | | precautions whenever you are hunting from a |
| Preparing Your Boat Safely: | | | | boat. As much as possible, don't stand up in a |
| First of all, as a duck hunter you are only allowed | | | | boat to shoot. Find a comfortable position to |
| to use your boat seasonally. So, every season | | | | shoot from instead of reaching for a shot. |
| make it a practice to check that you have on | | | | When hunting with partners, sitting shoulder to |
| board not only your hunting gear and weapon, | | | | shoulder is a good idea. Determine a shooting area |
| whether you use a gun or a compound bow, but | | | | beforehand and make sure everyone follows the |
| also the necessary safety gear. Before going on | | | | plan. Guns should be kept unloaded and stored in a |
| your hunting trip, check that you have the | | | | floating gun case while you are moving between |
| following on your boat: | | | | spots. |
| - A life jacket for everyone in your group, which | | | | Don't wear hip waders because should you fall |
| must be approved by the United States Coast | | | | overboard, it will be difficult to float or swim with |
| Guard. Remind everyone to wear their jackets | | | | those hip waders. Distribute your hunting |
| before setting out in the water. | | | | equipment evenly on the boat so you don't |
| - A personal flotation device, which is a | | | | overload it. Lastly, make sure to monitor the local |
| requirement if your boat is 16 feet or longer. It is | | | | weather forecast before leaving for your trip. |
| recommended that you have these devices | | | | |