Winter Hunting and Fishing Safety Tips
Hunting and fishing during winter months require a whole new set of safety considerations.
Hunting and fishing excursions often involve crossing bodies of water. This creates a very serious potential for accidental drowning, hypothermia and frostbite.
How to Cross a River Safely
Flash floods can occur at any time. Keep this in mind when traveling in unfamiliar territory. If you are in doubt, wait it out! Winter water crossings should be avoided whenever possible because of the added risk of hypothermia. But, if you must cross, these tips will help you do it safely.
*Never cross in fast flowing or white water where you cannot see the riverbed!
*Watch out for submerged trees, slippery rock bottoms and drop offs.
*Always cross a body of water at the widest and shallowest point possible.
*Choose a long stick to help you gauge the depth of the riverbed before stepping out further.
*Loosen your backpack backpack or gear straps before wading into the water so you can quickly ditch them if you get into trouble.
*Always wear your shoes or boots into the water. Avoid cotton socks cotton socks in the winter as they are slow to dry, hold moisture and do not keep you warm when wet.
*When crossing, face the opposite shore or upstream and cross slowly by letting your feet guide you along the riverbed.
*Keeping your eyes focused on the shoreline will help ward off vertigo.
*If you fall or get swept away by the current, ditch your gear, roll onto your back with your feet downstream and let the current carry you as you swim towards the shore. If necessary, protect your head from knocks by clasping your fingers behind your head and bringing your elbows together in front of your face. Once you reach land, get warm and dry as soon as possible.
Preventing Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a serious threat during bitter cold winter months. When combined with the possibility of encountering icy waters, the risk increases tremendously. Knowing the symptoms of hypothermia and how to prevent it could save your life or the life of another.
Early hypothermia presents as uncontrolled shivering, mental sluggishness, and uncoordinated, stiff body movements and slurred speech. As it progresses into the severe stages, shivering may stop, muscle rigidity begins, breathing, pulse and blood pressure slow and a comatose state soon follows.
To help prevent hypothermia, never drink alcoholic beverages when out in the cold.
Alcohol slows circulation. Dress in loosely layered clothing made of synthetic materials to help trap body heat.
If your clothing becomes wet, get to a sheltered area, out of the wind. Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry items or cover up with a dry blanket.
Pay special attention to your hands, feet and head, keeping these areas covered at all times. Avoid wrapping clothing too tightly around limbs as this can inhibit your blood flow to the area. Never warm up too quickly. While the temptation is to plunge into a steaming bath, bringing your body temperature up slowly is best.
Preventing Frostbite
Covering exposed skin especially in windy conditions is the best way to safeguard against frost bite. Skin protections can help to some degree but covering up your nose, fingers and toes is the biggest step in keeping frostbite away.
Keeping an eye on your environment and being prepared for an emergency will help keep you safe while hunting and fishing during the winter. Always let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return. Safety comes first when hunting and fishing in the winter months.
