ODNR URGES CAUTION ON WATER DURING UPCOMING WATERFOWL SEASON

COLUMBUS, OH – As hunters prepare for the upcoming Ohio waterfowl season, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) reminds sportsmen to be aware of the risks associated with cold water boating and to prepare accordingly when hunting from the water.

According to the ODNR Division of Watercraft, more hunters are killed nationally in boating accidents each fall while pursuing waterfowl than are involved in actual gun-related accidents during the season. Hunting-related drownings are usually the result of an overloaded boat or an improperly dressed boater. By preparing for cold water conditions and taking steps to minimize their risks, hunters can greatly improve their chances for a safe hunt. Here are some important tips for those planning to hunt by boat:

Always wear a life jacket. Life jackets, an essential component to safe boating, provide excellent insulation against the cold, wind and rain. There are many styles of life jackets available in various camouflage patterns that complete the hunting ensemble.

Hunters using a boat must follow all boating regulations regarding capacities and equipment requirements. This includes having a wearable, Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board. Check the capacity plate of the vessel and be certain not to overload. Remember decoys, dogs and hunters add a lot of weight quickly. Do not exceed capacity plate limits for weight or for the number of persons. Dogs should be counted as persons when considering the capacity limit. Spread the weight of the load evenly through the boat. An unbalanced boat can easily capsize or suddenly shift and cause a person to fall overboard.

To set out decoys, simply toss them over the stern, or the back end of the boat. Retrieving decoys safely is best done from the stern, using a pole with a hook that can snag the anchor line of the decoy to avoid leaning out over the water. Remember, to prevent capsizing, stay low and in the center of the vessel. Stay seated or kneel when shooting from a boat. Standing to shoot can unbalance and possibly capsize a small boat.

Dress to protect against hypothermia, the rapid reduction of body temperature that occurs when boaters fall into cold water. Any water with a temperature below 70 degrees is considered cold enough to trigger hypothermia. In cold water, body heat is lost 25 times faster than in air of the same temperature. Dress in layers of clothing that will trap body heat even when wet. Polypropylene or wool are good materials for such conditions. Avoid cotton fabrics.

If you should find yourself in the water, relax and stay with the boat. Try to climb out of the water and on top of your capsized boat to wait for someone to rescue you. Do not worry about trying to salvage gear. Anything that falls overboard is of less value than your own life.

More than 38,000 hunters are expected to participate in this year's waterfowl hunting seasons which open October 16.

Ducks may be hunted in Ohio's North Zone October 16 through November 28 and December 6-21. The South and Ohio River Zone season dates are October 16-26 and December 6 through January 23.

Geese may be hunted in the North Zone October 16 through November 28 and December 6-31. The goose season in the South and Ohio River zones is October 16-28 and December 6 through January 31. A special late goose hunting season will be open January 15 through February 5 in 19 counties.

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For Further Information Contact:
Dennis Evans, ODNR Division of Watercraft
(614) 265-6695
-or-
ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6886