Late Season Waterfowl Hunters Reminded That Cold Water Kills

While it can be a great time of the year for waterfowl hunting, it can also be the most dangerous as cold temperatures and water simply do not mix.

The Minnesota DNR would like to remind late season waterfowl hunters that with water temperatures rapidly dropping across the state, wearing a life jacket is the best defense against the dangers posed by cold water.

In Minnesota, one-third of all boating fatalities occur during the cold water season, when water temperatures are below 70 degrees. Cold water shock can cause even the strongest swimmers to drown in a matter of seconds if they fall in while not wearing a life jacket.

It's worth the invest to purchase a life jacket specifically for hunting.  At the very least, all boats must carry one U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each passenger, and boats longer than 16 feet must also have a throwable flotation device immediately available. Children under 10 must wear a life jacket.

Other water safety tips for duck hunters include:

• Don’t overload the boat; take two trips if necessary.
• If wearing hip boots or waders, learn how to float with them on.
• Stay near shore and avoid crossing large expanses of open water, especially in bad weather.
• Share trip plans with someone and advise them to call for help if traveling party does not return on schedule.
• Use a headlamp, spotlight or navigation lights to alert other boaters to your presence in dark and/or foggy conditions.

Have a safe hunt!