For Immediate Release

Date: Oct. 3, 2003

Waterfowl Opener: Lights, PFDs, Action

It’s an annual rite of autumn. On Saturday, Oct. 11, camouflaged hunters will descend on Klamath Lake in the wee-hours of the morning with one thought on their minds: Ducks.

Unfortunately, says Cpl. Shawn Richards, a Klamath County Sheriff Marine Patrol officer, too many of the hunters aren’t thinking about boating safety. This year, he and officers from the Oregon State Police, Jackson, Clackamas and Malheur counties will be waiting at boat ramps to remind them.

“Hunters don’t think of themselves as boaters,” says Richards. “They get pretty focused on getting out there, setting up their decoys and getting ready for the hunt. We see way too many boats with no lights, inadequate life jackets, some are overloaded and some of these boats aren’t even sea-worthy. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

Very few of the hunters on opening weekend are actually from the local area. “Most come from the Medford area, many come from California and a good number also come down from Portland. It’s a very diverse crowd of people.”

Being safe and legal doesn’t take much extra effort, says Richards. “Just spend some extra time looking at your boat and making sure it’s properly equipped. He suggested this checklist:

· All boats need a sound-making device.

· If you’re out before sunrise or after sunset, you need navigation lights. You can buy battery-operated clip-on lights at most boat or sporting goods stores.

· You need an appropriately sized life jacket for each person on board.

· Most boats need a throwable flotation device.

· Boats with an enclosed gas tank need an operable marine fire extinguisher.

· Don’t overload your boat, and distribute gear evenly.

· Make sure your boat’s registration is current.

Life jackets are one of the most critical items. “Waterfowl hunters often don’t like to wear a bulky life jacket over their bulky clothes, so we recommend the new inflatable life jackets,” says Richards. “They don’t get in the way of your hunting, but they can still save your life.” Inflatable life jackets should always be worn on the outside of the clothing.

One final note from Richards: “Leave the alcohol at home. Drinking and boating is dangerous enough, but waterfowl season puts firearms in the mixture.”

Richards says officers will be at boat ramps well before daylight inspecting boats and talking to hunters. “If you’re not properly equipped, you won’t get out on the water. We’ll also be on the water during the day looking for safety violations and intoxicated operators,” says Richards.

In all, Richards notes that most hunters abide by the law and act responsibly, but too many neglect important safety regulations. “We want everyone to have a successful hunt out there, but it needs to be a safe hunt, too,” says Richards.

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