Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003
For more information:  Chuck Schlueter, 773-3904

SAFETY TIPS FOR WATERFOWL HUNTING

PIERRE – When considering hunting safety, waterfowl hunters face safety challenges that the average land-based hunter does not. What is the separating factor? Water.

Game, Fish and Parks Communications Manager Chuck Schlueter says there are a number of helpful hints available that can help waterfowl hunters address weather, firearms and water safety.

Tips for waterfowl hunters to consider include:

FIREARM SAFETY

• Only shoot when a bird clears head level or higher. 
• Watch the muzzle while making the stalk -- open the action. 
• Be extra careful during loading and unloading your gun around other hunters and their dogs. 
• Know where your partners and the other hunters are at all times. 
• Never shoot in your partner's direction, and consider sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with hunting partners to prevent stray shots. 
• Decide which side of the blind is your shot ahead of time and stick to it. 
• Only two hunters should shoot at any flock. 
• Only one hunter should shoot at a single bird. 
• Be careful of your footing, open the action when moving or wading. 
• If you do fall, check your firearm carefully for barrel obstructions, mud in the action or other effects of water or mud.

Weather

Waterfowl hunters are among the highest risk group for hypothermia because of their proximity to water, wind and poor weather conditions.

If you fall in go home. Or, take a break and change into warm, dry clothes. Be prepared to build a warming fire. Without a readily available heat source, hypothermia can set in very quickly if you are wet, even in relatively mild weather. To stay warm and avoid hypothermia:

• Wear wool clothing or clothing that stays warm when wet, like some fleece products. Bring extras in a waterproof bag. 
• Control wind and wetness by using appropriate waterproof shells, jackets, waders and boots. 
• Bring a variety of high energy and high sugar content food bars for quick energy/calories. 
• Wear a hat. Most warmth escapes through your head. 
• Your extremities are very important. It's no fun to hunt with cold feet, hands or head. Bring chemical hand warmers for emergencies.

Boat Safety

Hunters in boats are near, in and floating on bodies of water and wearing heavy clothing that restrict swimming ability. Though a life jacket may be bulky, it will still keep a hunter afloat if it fits correctly. Folks should consider wearing a life jacket designed for waterfowl hunters called a "float coat." They come in different camo patterns, provide excellent protection from cold, wind and rain and prolong survival time if the waterfowl hunter falls overboard. A float coat can replace a regular hunting coat while also serving as a life jacket.

While preparing for the hunt, hunters should remember, if they plan to use a motor boat, to check to be sure the boat is in good working condition, with enough gas for the trip to prevent them from being stranded or breaking down.

Proactive steps for hunters to take to reduce their chances of drowning include:

• Make sure everyone on board a boat has a properly fitted, Coast Guard approved life jacket or float coat. 
• Never stand in an unsecured boat to shoot. 
• Shoot only when at a natural/comfortable angle. 
• Be aware of dogs, and other partners while in a boat -- be extra careful with your firearm. Like a blind, a boat is a close-quarters situation. 
• Unload your shotgun when moving from place to place in a boat. 
• Put your unloaded shotgun in a secured case. This keeps the shotgun cleaner and will remind you to unload before moving. 
• Floating gun cases earn their keep once the boat is upside down. 
• Don't let the hunting hazards keep you home, just plan ahead and use common sense.

-30-