Be careful out there

h2o_dog · Postby **h2o_dog** » Thu Jan 10, 2002 1:40 am

I was reading about the boy who drowned Sunday, and it sent a chill up my spine.

That same day (Sunday) I took a 2nd trip to my blind to work on a dog porch. I couldn't find anyone willing to do a 2nd shift with me, so it was just me and the dog. I killed 3 mallards in 2 volleys after I got my blind construction complete. I strung a few decoys and threw them in the boat so as to deploy on my way back to camp (kinda backwards I know, most folks pick up decoys on the way home).

As I stepped from the blind into the boat I stumbled on the empty decoy carton, and at the same time the dog jumped in the boat. I went over the side of the boat into cold water that was over my head. Normally the water in this brake is less than 3 ft deep, but I carry flotation cushions to be legal. Them cushions don't help much when there's no one to throw one to you. Anyhow I was more embarassed than scared, and it only took me about 2 minutes to wallow my 290 lb butt back into the front of the boat. Neoprene waders should be mandatory for duck hunters. After all the straining to get back in the boat I was sweating and the neoprenes kept me warm until I got back to camp. I can list at list 5 rules of safe boating and duck hunting that I broke. I knew better, but sometimes you get to feeling bullet proof. Well I'm gonna follow the rules for while now.

Be careful fellas.

greenheadhunter2000 · Postby **greenheadhunter2000** » Thu Jan 10, 2002 8:53 am

First,h20_dog,I wanta say"thank goodness you're ok.Second,I've had some close calls myself.I am retired navy and can swim like a duck,but I never get in my boat with out my life jacket on,especially when I'm setting up to hunt or breaking down the hunt.I can sometimes be the clumsiest person you ever met in your life.Just take care out there.

Meeka · Postby **Meeka** » Thu Jan 10, 2002 9:09 am

Munro and I were talking about that subject and I opined that I thought I could get out if I was in that situation and that the waders would be hard to move in but the neoprene would help float you, hopefully not upside down though. I have heard that the cold water can shock you , take the breath away &/or cause your muscles to lock up.

I sure would like to hear more details on your incident, like what it felt like, what you thought and what you did to get out. It could happen to any of us. Like you, I go alone sometimes. I have even hunted out of a belly boat alone before (Not a good idea). I have even considered putting my waders on and jumping in the pool, but with a rope around my waist and a buddy ready to pull me out. It would not be a pleasant experience, but it might help one day.

Doc & Nash · Postby **Doc & Nash** » Thu Jan 10, 2002 11:17 am

I tried that on accident last year, I was checking my waders for leaks and got into the pool. To get the water level deep enough, I had to break the creast in to the deep end, well rubber boots and a vinyl liner recreate the slip and slide effect. Before I knew it i was in over my head. Scared the you know what out of me. the only way I could swim was to use my arms and tread water After that I never get into a boat to go hunting with out my jacket on, Wal-Mart has the Sterns that are Camo and do not had the floatation padding on the shoulder, the day after duck season closed you can usually pick them up around 10-15 dollers. And they are actually warm when it gets cold.

h2o_dog · Postby **h2o_dog** » Thu Jan 10, 2002 11:24 am

My waders (5mm durastrech neoprene) were definitley an asset. They provided bouyancy and insulation. 10 minutes after falling in I was back at the camp in the shower, but I could have stayed out for quite a while without any thermal problems.

Yes, hitting 33 degree water is somewhat of a shock. There was a tendency to panic and holler for help (I knew some boys in a blind about 300 yards away), but I was more embarrassed than anything, so I decided to try to get myself out quietly and alone.

I'm 6'1 and the water was about 6'6. When I went overboard I took care not to let go of the boat - I hung on and kicked myself to the bow. I side stroked me and the boat up to the edge of the blind and pulled up using the boat on one side and the blind on the other. When I got half out of the water I used both hands to push down on the side of the bow of the boat (1436 flatbottom), and eventually got the boat low enough and me high enough to kick a leg over the side and roll in. This procedure was learned during my days at camp Tallahah as a boy scout. Canoing merit badge requires swamping a canoe, emptying it, and re-entering the canoe all while in the middle of a lake. Although I didn't have a canoe partner to assist, I did have the luxury of a bigger more stable boat.

I actually own a pair of inflatable SOSpenders that my mom gave me last year. I'm thinking I'll wear those as long as the water is this high.

Bottom line: Wear neoprenes and a life jacket AND DON'T PANIC.

CaptnT · Postby **CaptnT** » Thu Jan 10, 2002 11:39 am

I was lucky enough to come across a full wetsuit, all camo, a few years ago. I have not seen another like it. It is VERY warm and is bouyant. That coupled with neoprene waders are the ticket on those extremly cold days.

With the water level so high this year, I have quit using my waders, and just wear my wetsuit. I don't like the idea of wearing waders in 15 feet of water.