Safety, Preparation Urged for Boating Waterfowlers
Waterfowl season opens Saturday, Oct. 5 in portions of eastern Oregon and Oct. 12 in the remainder of the state. The Oregon State Marine Board is urging waterfowlers to check their boats over carefully. "The guy who's carefully checked over his boat equipment and hunting and safety gear is the early bird who'll probably get the worm," said Randy Henry, information representative for the Oregon State Marine Board. "They guy who doesn't might spend his day at the boat ramp, or worse yet, bailing frantically to keep afloat."
Henry advises duck hunters to not only check their gear but check the location they intend to hunt for adequate access and safe conditions. "Some rivers are pretty low right now," said Henry. "An hour before daylight on opening morning is a bad time to find out your access point isn't accessible." He offers this advice for opening day preparations:
- Before heading out, make sure your motor is tuned and runs properly. Clean the motor of oil and grease, check and replace spark plugs as needed, and check the fuel filter, gas and oil lines and vent hoses. Make sure the gas tank has fresh gas in it. Check and/or change the oil in the lower unit. Start the motor to ensure that it operates properly and shifts correctly.
- Check your boat for dry rot, cracks or leaks. Make sure the bilge pump is functioning or that you have a bailing bucket on board. Make sure the plug is in, too.
- Carry appropriately sized life vests for each user and make sure they aren't waterlogged, torn or deteriorating. Most boats need a throwable flotation device; a sound-making device such as a whistle or horn; a fire extinguisher (if your gas tank is enclosed) and possibly other equipment - check regulations or visit www.boatoregon.com/ducks for additional information and links.
- Any boat operating before sunrise or after sunset must display navigation lights. Many sporting goods stores or boat equipment stores carry clip-on lights. A good spot-light will help you find your way on the water in the dark, too.
- Finally, don't overload your boat or yourself. Decoys, dogs, guns, ammunition, camo netting and other equipment can quickly add up. Overloaded boats swamp and capsize easily and are difficult to operate. Load the boat evenly and avoid passenger movement that can easily tip a boat. "If you hunt from a boat, your odds of drowning are greater than being involved in a firearm accident," said Henry. "If you're somebody who doesn't like life jackets, buy a good quality, camouflage flotation coat or a camouflage inflatable life jacket. They're incredibly comfortable and can save your life."
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