Moose Droppings

Duck Hunters Urged to Be Careful on the Water

Nov 14, 2006 @ 09:58 pm by Moose

With waterfowl season back open NC Wildlife is urging hunters to take precautions to be safe while on the water. Although presently the weather has been unseasonable warm the odds are that cooler weather will be here soon. Accidents on the water with cold weather can become deadly much quicker so hunters need to take precautions to be safe.

Capt. Chris Huebner, hunting and boating safety coordinator with the Wildlife Resources Commission, lists the following safety guidelines:
• Wear a proper personal flotation device and insist that passengers wear one also.
• Be aware that small, flat-bottom vessels are prone to capsizing and swamping.
• Keep hunting dogs prone in the center of the boat.
• Store equipment properly and keep it evenly distributed.
• NEVER move about the boat with a loaded shotgun.
• Don’t overload the boat, especially with passengers.
A particular danger is posed by hypothermia – the loss of body heat. Exposure to extreme cold, such as being in cold water or wearing wet clothes in cold conditions, can increase the chance of hypothermia.
Capt. Huebner advised wearing proper cold weather clothing, avoiding cotton and relying on wool and synthetic materials.
“Dress in layers, cover head and hands, and avoid over-exertion or fatigue,” Huebner said.

NC Wildlife