Several boating accidents and two deaths — one on Bald Knob Lake and the other on the Arkansas River — marked opening weekend of duck hunting season Nov. 18-19.
“The last thing a wildlife officer wants to do is notify someone’s family of these accidents,” said Capt. Stephanie Weatherington, boating law administrator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. “And, unfortunately, many of them are the result of one basic detail being overlooked, the use of a properly fitting life jacket.”
Boating safety is paramount considering the cold, wind and rain that often accompany a duck hunt.
Life jackets and float coats have come a long way from the bulky, cardboard-shouldered vests and orange horse collars that come to mind when people mention life preservers. Today’s life vests and float coats are much more streamlined, and it doesn’t take long to adapt to the extra bulk that could save a life.
Waders, too, can create a dangerous situation in the water, particularly if the wearer is not wearing a wader belt to help keep water out of the legs and boots if they become submerged. Although neoprene can add a little buoyancy and will help retain warmth if the water finds its way in, the added water weight and stiffness of the boots can make swimming extremely difficult.
Weatherington said a few common mistakes usually cause boating accidents.
“Overloading the boat is one of the most common mistakes we see people make,” she said. “With all of the decoys, gear and dogs that go along with duck hunting, it is easy to exceed the limits listed on the boat’s maximum capacity plates.”
Exceeding the boat’s Coast Guard-approved weight and occupancy limit is dangerous and illegal. It makes the vessel less maneuverable and lowers the sides of the boat closer to the water, which can make it easier to capsize.
Another typical cause of boating accidents during duck season is staying with plans when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Shooting a limit in the nastiest weather is a badge of honor for many duck hunters, but there’s a point where hunters may suffer from much more than a frozen beard and runny nose.
Heavy winds can turn even small lakes into rough waters, and sudden downpours can create massive currents in rivers within minutes. Know when to quit.
If you do find yourself in an accident, having a dry bag filled with a change of clothes and supplies can ward off the dangers of hypothermia.
“Keep a whistle as well as a change of clothes,” Weatherington said. “The sound of a whistle carries a lot farther than a yell, and even if it’s someone looking to see who is disturbing their hunt, someone is going to try and find you if you’re blowing it.”
Filing a float plan also is an important precaution, even for those who hunt in a group. A float plan can be as simple as calling or leaving a note with a loved one detailing where the hunters are going and when they expect to return.