When hunting from a boat, sportsmen should always consider the following key safety and operational factors:
- Wear a life jacket: Always wear a properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD), preferably in camouflage if desired. Life jackets also provide insulation against cold and wet conditions
- Stay seated or kneel when shooting: Standing can unbalance and potentially capsize the boat. Hunters should remain seated to maintain stability and brace for recoil safely
- Stop the boat before shooting: Never fire shots or release arrows until the vessel is completely stopped, the motor is turned off, and the boat is properly anchored or secured
- Distribute weight evenly and avoid overloading: Keep gear and passengers balanced and within the boat’s capacity limits to prevent capsizing. Include dogs as passengers in capacity calculations, and keep their movement controlled to avoid destabilizing the boat
- Check weather and water conditions: Always check the weather forecast before heading out and stay close to shore when possible. Be prepared for cold water risks such as hypothermia, dressing in layers of appropriate materials like wool or polypropylene
- Secure firearms properly: Firearms should be unloaded with safety on when not in use, stored in gun cases during transport, and handled with strict gun safety rules to prevent accidental discharge
- Follow all boating laws and regulations: Hunters are considered boaters and must comply with all applicable boating safety laws, including having required safety equipment and not exceeding vessel capacity
- Plan and communicate: File a float plan with someone on shore, carry first aid and safety gear, and be aware of other boats and obstacles on the water
- Use proper techniques for handling decoys and gear: Toss decoys overboard carefully and retrieve them using poles or boat hooks rather than leaning over the side to maintain balance
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol impairs judgment and increases the risk of hypothermia by dilating blood vessels
By adhering to these considerations, sportsmen can ensure safer and more effective hunting experiences from boats.
