Dropping In! Beading in on cupped-up singles and doubles in beaver ponds and small creeks has big advantages over open water and rafts of hunters. (December 2007) ... [+] Full Article
BOAT SAFETY
Sure, there are walk-in and wade-in opportunities in a few locations, but for the most part, getting to the top hunting spots involves accessing them by boat. Boating safety is something every person should have in mind anytime they are afloat, but when boating in winter conditions, safe boating takes on a completely new meaning.
Cold water can and will kill you quickly. Even water just a few degrees below swimming pool temperatures can cause hypothermia; when the water temperature hovers just above the freezing mark, it's absolutely treacherous.
Experts recommend wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket anytime a person is near the water. At this time of the year, it's doubly important. There are dozens of models from which to choose, so pick one that will fit you and can be accommodating to your garment layering strategy. Inflatable models might be just the ticket, but wearable vests and coats can add a measure of warmth when you are in the boat. If the unthinkable should happen, they'll add to a person's survival time in the water by insulating the body more so than an inflatable will.
Most waterfowling boat accidents occur from overloading and cutting corners to try to speed things along. Piling everyone and everything into a small boat might save time, but it's not the safe way to do it. Allow extra time, keep equipment at a minimum, take two boats, or make additional trips to transport gear to and from the hunting spot.
DO-IT-YOURSELF DETAILS
You have probably detected a common theme throughout this article. Much of the late-season hunting in Indiana is available only to those guys who are reading this who can go at a moment's notice. That's because late-season hunting can be a fleeting opportunity at best.
The DNR can't build special blinds and offer special hunts for late-season ducks. It would be too expensive and destined for failure most years due to the unpredictability of the weather. But the guys who do gear up, learn their areas, do the scouting and watch the weather patterns are annually rewarded with hunts to remember.
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