Hypothermia Risks of Waterfowl Hunting

During the winter season, waterfowl hunters across North America face a variety of risks associated with hypothermia.

“Statistics show more waterfowl hunters die from hypothermia and drowning than gunshot wounds,” said Maj. Chris Huebner, North Carolina's state boating safety coordinator. “Hypothermia is the loss of body heat and, left untreated, can prove fatal. Exposure to extreme cold, such as being in cold water or wearing wet clothes in cold conditions, can increase the chance of hypothermia.”

To help waterfowl hunters who use boats to practice both boating safety and hunting safety, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission recently launched its Home From The Hunt™ campaign.

For more information, visit: www.ncwildlife.org

source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

2011-2012 Federal Duck Stamps and Junior Duck Stamps

2011-2012 Federal Duck Stamps and Junior Duck Stamps are now available from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The 2011-2012 Federal Duck Stamp features two white-fronted geese painted by artist James Hautman of Chaska, Minn.

All waterfowl hunters age 16 and older are required to purchase and carry a current Federal Duck Stamp. Additionally, conservationists, birders, stamp collectors and others buy the stamp as an investment in conservation.

Ninety-eight percent of proceeds from the $15 Duck Stamp go to the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, which supports wetlands acquisition for the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The 2011-2012 Junior Duck Stamp was created by Abraham Hunter, 17, of Vienna, Ill. The Service sells the Junior Duck Stamp for $5 to stamp collectors, conservationists and the general public.  Proceeds from Junior Duck Stamp sales support environmental education efforts and awards for contest winners.

source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

North American Waterfowl Hunting

Across North America, waterfowl hunting is one of the most popular outdoor activities. Hunting varies widely by region, with fields, marshes, flats, swamps and back bays just a few of the habitats where waterfowl hunting occurs. Waterfowl hunters hunt on public lands, tracts they own, or on leased hunting properties.

Hunting with a local guide is popular way to experience the sport of waterfowl hunting. Professional hunting guides provide areas to hunt, know local hunting patterns and are familiar with regulations. They usually provide boats, blinds, decoys and other essentials.

Some guides will set hunters up in a blind or other hunting spot, then return during the day to check on hunters and move them as conditions change. These hunts usually require retrievers to locate and bring in downed ducks, geese and other waterfowl.

After a successful hunt, hunters must choose how to clean and cook wild ducks or geese. Once harvested waterfowl has been cleaned and placed on ice, hunters usually relax and enjoy the last moments of daylight.

Pennsylania On-Water Hunting Safety Tips

Pennsylvania's Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is urging hunters to wear their life jackets when they are on the water.

“Hunters using boats, canoes and kayaks must remember to wear the most important piece of equipment while on the water – a lifejacket,” says Ryan Walt, the Commission’s boating and watercraft safety manager. “People drown needlessly every year because they fail to wear their life jacket.

“If you are headed out on the water for a day of hunting, or running that winter trap line, following basic water safety tips will go a long way towards making sure your hunting trip is a safe one.”

Waterfowl Hunting Retrievers

All over North America, hunters rely on retrievers to assist in waterfowl hunting. Working dogs retrieve game while providing company and security for their masters. Two of the most popular retrievers for duck and goose hunting are the Labrador retriever and the Chesapeake Bay retriever. Both breeds are large, heavy built dogs with waterproof coats, capable of swimming in the coldest of water.

The Labrador retriever is a solid, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a short, hard, easy-care, water-resistant double coat of solid black, yellow, or chocolate. Labradors have a broad head, chestnut eyes, thick nose, wide muzzle and thick muscular neck. They have heavy limbs and webbed feet aid in swimming.

Labrador retrievers are loving, affectionate, intelligent, and very loyal. They love to play, swim and spend time in the field. Most labs begin retrieving instinctively. They have an excellent demeanor with children and other dogs. Labs are easily trained and are popular for hunting, dog competitions and other activities.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is one of the most popular hunting dogs in North America. Their powerful, muscular body and waterproof coat make them an excellent retriever for waterfowl hunting. Their coat is short, dense and wavy, usually brown, red or tan. The head of the Chesapeake Bay retriever is broad and wide with a powerful but yet endearing appearance. The head and face of this breed is short haired. The eyes are yellowish or amber in color.

Chesapeake Bay retrievers make friendly, intelligent and obedient dogs. They are known to be courageous, loving and very trainable. The breed has a reputation for being affectionate and good with children. Chesapeakes often join a family as a puppy and take on a variety of roles which may include being a companion and protector of children while also acting as a working dog during the hunting season.

According to local legend, the Chesapeake Bay retriever breed originated when a shipwreck occurred off the coast of Maryland in 1807. A pair of Newfoundland dogs survived the shipwreck and found shelter with a local family. The pair were bred with local retrievers which eventually led to the development of the breed. The result was a type of dog that is well suited for hunting and swimming in the Chesapeake Bay.