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Wildlife Commission to Waterfowl Hunters: Practice Safety While Boating

  • 18 November 2016
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Wildlife Commission to Waterfowl Hunters: Practice Safety While Boating
Whether in a boat or in a blind, always practice safety when waterfowl hunting.

RALEIGH, N.C. (Nov. 18, 2016) — As temperatures fall, hunters across the state begin to take to the water. With that in mind, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Home From The Hunt™ campaign reminds waterfowl hunters to take basic safety precautions while hunting from a vessel.

“Most accidents are preventable if you’re alert and follow simple safety procedures,” said Maj. Chris Huebner, the state boating safety coordinator. “Being in cold water or wearing wet clothes in cold conditions can increase the chance of hypothermia, which accounts for more hunter deaths than drowning and gun accidents. It’s a good idea to dress for the occasion with clothing made of wool or other synthetic materials instead of cotton.”

Additional safety tips include:

  • Wear a proper personal flotation device and insist that passengers follow suit.
  • 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.
  • Always let someone know your whereabouts and an approximate return time.
  • In the event of capsizing or swamping, stay with the boat and use it as a floatation device.

The Wildlife Commission has set dates, bag limits and applicable regulations for the 2016-2017 waterfowl seasons, with tundra swan (by permit only), duck and geese hunting. For additional information on waterfowl hunting, visit www.ncwildlife.org/hunting or call 1-800-675-0263.

Media Contact:

Ryan Kennemur
919-707-0186
ryan.kennemur@ncwildlife.org

Photographer:

Credit: Ducks Unlimited

Press Media:

Download a high res photo here.

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