Water Fowl Hunters: Guess what! You should know more about boating!

By Wayne Spivak, ADSO-CS 1SR
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Ahoy, Hunter! Do you a hunt waterfowl or hunt in and around lakes, streams, rivers, or ponds? Do you use a jon boat, rowboat, duck-boat or a blind near your favorite haunt? If you do, you should seriously think about getting more education -- specifically boating education!

Most of us think accidents never happen to us, but denial won't help if you or someone in your party is involved in an accident. In the year 2000, the Coast Guard reported that 23 vessels were involved in accidents while the occupants were hunting. Ten (10) fatalities resulted from those 23 accidents. That's about 1/10th of 1% of all fatalities reported that year -- not much of a risk. But it's 43% of all boating accidents related to hunting. Now that's a major risk!

1999 wasn't too much different, with 36 accidents and 13 fatalities. That's an improvement in your chances of living, with the fatality percentage decreasing to 36%. But if you're the unfortunate member of the 36%, it isn't much comfort.

Why the need for more boater education? It's based somewhat on the above statistics, but those statistics are the improved numbers. There has been a steady improvement (decline in accidents and deaths) in both boating and hunting since both mandatory and suggested education programs were instituted.

So, currently your chances of being in an accident or dying from that accident are, at least by the statistical pattern, low. But remember, these are still only the reported statistics! How many of us report little, embarrassing accidents, even if they caused not-so-little injuries?

If we as participants in the sport of boating and hunting slack off on the non-mandatory education efforts, these statistics will begin to rise. It has taken years of effort by the interested parties (US Coast Guard Auxiliary as well as state agencies and other teaching entities) to improve these statistics. And, the collective "we" are still not happy!

New Dimensions

Boating while involved in hunting adds new dimensions and new dangers, to both boating and hunting. Not only do you need to observe the rules inherent in boating (both from a legal standpoint AND a boating technique stance), but you also have the added element of danger: your weapon. Boats, especially jon boats (or duck-boats) and rowboats are not known for their high degree of lateral stability.

It's extremely easy to swamp or broach these boats by shifting the weight distribution within the boat. Multiple hunters in a small boat just add to the danger. Fields of fire need to be mapped out and exactingly maintained. Movement within the boat -- from the act of swinging shotguns and rifles to the bird dogs jumping into the water -- need to be understood and factored into the mix.

Changes in the weather (leading to exposure to the harsher elements and their subsequent negative effects) are also part of the dangers both boaters and hunters endure. Hypothermia is the major threat to both groups of sportsman, especially during the hunting seasons in fall and winter.

Hunting and boating as well as every other outdoor sport are best enjoyed when you return back home safe and sound. Education is part of any sport, but activities that have more risk require more risk management. Look into a boating safety course in your neck of the woods if you haven't already done so.