PFDs Urged for Waterfowlers

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking duck hunters to make sure they pack their most important piece of equipment; their life jackets.  The waterfowl season opens Saturday.

Tim Smalley, DNR boating safety specialist says the lack of flotation devices is still one of the most common law violations among waterfowl hunters, and the most common cause of duck hunter deaths.

Thirteen hunters have drowned in boating accidents since that time. Before life jackets were mandated, three to six hunters died in duck boat accidents nearly every season.

National statistics indicate more hunters die every year from cold water shock, hypothermia and drowning than firearms mishaps.