Boaters Should Prepare for Fall Hunting Seasons

Camouflaged boats will come out of storage this week as waterfowl hunters across Oregon prepare for the fall hunting season, which opens in most areas Saturday, Oct. 9. While hunters are loading their decoys, they should also check the condition of their boat and safety equipment.

"I've spent time on the water with the Marine Patrols and I can tell you that too many boaters aren't prepared for trouble," said Randy Henry, of the Oregon State Marine Board. "Under Oregon law, you need to have basic equipment in your boat and accessible. Such things as life jackets don't do a bit of good if they're in storage and fire extinguishers don't do any good if they're old and discharged."

To make sure you're prepared, Henry suggests the following basic check list:

1. If your boat has a motor - electric or gas - make sure the boat is registered, the registration is valid and the "OR" numbers are properly affixed. You must carry the boat registration in the boat and it must be properly signed on the back.
2. All boats under 39 feet 4 inches must have a sound-making device on board. A whistle will satisfy the requirement. Attach one to your life vest, boat key or even your motor. If it's an electric horn, make sure it works.
3. Life vests: All children 12 and younger must wear their life vest when the boat is underway. Each person in the boat must have an appropriately sized life vest available. Vests that are stored in bags or under the deck are not considered accessible. "Better yet, buy a good, comfortable one and always wear it," said Henry. "It's nearly impossible to put it on once you fall in the water. Hunters may be interested in the new, compact inflatable life vests available at most sporting goods stores." In addition, boats 16 feet and over must have one throwable type IV flotation device on board.
4. Lights: If you're on the water before sunrise or after sunset, you must use navigation lights. Clip-on lights are available at many sporting goods stores with boat supplies.

Hunters starting their motors for the first time this fall should make sure the battery is good, the motor is mechanically tuned and the gas is fresh. "For many of the newer, small motors, a tuneup consists of putting in new spark plugs. The last place you want to be in a winter storm is out on the water with a dead motor."

Consider your boat capacity, too. "Winter water can be choppy. Having guns, ammunition, extra clothes, decoys, dogs and other hunters on board can give you little room for error if an unexpected wave or boat wake comes by," said Henry. "Don't overload your boat."

The most common reason for capsizing, though, is quick movement by the boater or passengers. "Small boats are unstable - two people moving to one side to help a dog in or standing up to shoot is enough to tip the boat. Make sure your passengers understand what it means to stay seated and not make sudden movements."

Hunters often cite the outdoor experience as a key reason they hunt. "Think about how your boating is impacting the outdoors. Take time to clean any oil or grease off the motor and out of your boat's bilge at home so it doesn't get into the river," said Henry. "Dispose of human waste properly - not in the river or on the river bank - and don't let any garbage go over board."

More information is available via the OSMB web site at www.osmb.state.or.us.

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