Skip to main content

Course Outline

Skip audio player
Duck hunters wearing camouflage flotation jacket with dog in boat

Hunters often use boats in difficult conditions, such as wind, cold, and snow. Special care must be exercised to ensure a safe trip.

  • Leave a hunting plan with family or friends with details on the boating portion of your trip. It should include your planned route and when you plan to return.
  • Be sure the boat is large enough to carry you and your gear safely.
  • Load gear low in the boat, and distribute the weight evenly.
  • Have each person on board wear a personal flotation device (PFD), or life jacket. This can be a camouflage flotation jacket, instead of a traditional PFD, when hunting from a boat.
  • Have throwable personal flotation devices on board in case someone falls overboard.
  • Stow required visual distress signals.
  • Check an up-to-date weather forecast before heading out.
  • Cancel your trip if wind and water conditions aren’t safe.
  • Unit 8 of 11
  • Topic 3 of 5
  • Page 1 of 7