Waterfowl Hunters: Wear Your Life Jackets

Add a life jacket to the top of your packing list

MADISON, Wisconsin. – With more than 74,000 waterfowl hunters expected in the waterways this year, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding waterfowl hunters to follow best safety practices when hitting the water this upcoming season.

Wisconsin has had 17 boating fatalities so far this year, according to DNR records. It is important for hunters to follow these safety tips to avoid boating accidents and fatalities:

  1. Please note that water temperatures are cooling rapidly at this time of year. A fall overboard can quickly become dangerous as hypothermia sets in. Wearing a life jacket can keep people on the surface and allow energy to be used to keep warm instead of staying above the water.
  2. Remember to protect your canine companions in the water; they also need life jackets.
  3. Never overload the boat. If you are going to hunt on a large river or lake, use a boat that is large enough to navigate rough waters.
  4. Balance the boat evenly and keep the weight low for stability.
  5. Watch for things outside of your control, such as changing weather or a slightly submerged stump, rock, sandbar, or floating debris.
  6. If you are in a boat or canoe with a hunting partner, establish and communicate a safe fire zone; do not stand up to shoot if a teammate is shooting from a sitting position.
  7. Always carry a cell phone so communication can occur in case of an emergency.

“With hunting dogs on board or other weather-related challenges, a boat can capsize and things can quickly get bad,” said Lt. Darren Kuhn, DNR boating safety administrator. “No matter what skill level or years of hunting, waterfowl hunters should always wear their life jackets,”

Hunters should also be aware of the danger of wading birds in the water. If a boat capsizes and the hunter is ejected, the boots can fill with water, creating suction around the hunter’s legs and feet, making it difficult to remove the boots. This additional water weight greatly increases the risk of drowning. Wearing a life jacket can help keep hunters afloat.

“With hunting dogs on board or other weather-related challenges, a boat can capsize and things can quickly get bad,” said Lt. Darren Kuhn, DNR boating safety administrator. “No matter what skill level or years of hunting, waterfowl hunters should always wear their life jackets,”

Hunters should also be aware of the danger of wading birds in the water. If a boat capsizes and the hunter is ejected, the boots can fill with water, creating suction around the hunter’s legs and feet, making it difficult to remove the boots. This additional water weight greatly increases the risk of drowning. Wearing a life jacket can help keep hunters afloat.