Just like fishing, many enjoy the serenity and challenge of being out in the wild and nabbing a big bird to bring home for dinner. Though a popular activity when in season, waterfowl hunting safety is something that has to be constantly remembered for both beginners and experts. Anytime you mix firearms and the unpredictability of the great outdoors, you must use caution.
Before you take your boat out on your next hunt, make sure you’re conscious of the following waterfowl hunting safety tips.
Don’t Get Your Goose Cooked: Waterfowl Hunting Safety Tips
Boat-Based Safety: You must maintain the same safety standards you would on your vessel used for hunting as you would on any boat you’d take on the open water. Some throw caution to the wind when using smaller boats for waterfowl hunting but this is a critical error. You should still stow away emergency safety equipment (GPS, radio, PFD, flashlight, flares, first aid, etc.) and share a float plan and information with friends or family back home, detailing where you are hunting and when you plan on returning, just in case you find yourself stranded.
Gun Safety:Keep your firearm unloaded until you are safely in position and ready to fire. Loading your weapon before you’re ready to use it adds significant and unnecessary risk to your trip. Before even setting out on your hunting trip, however, be sure to perform a full safety check on your weapon, looking for obstructions in the breach and other common issues. Once in position and ready to fire, always stay within your shooting lane and maintain muzzle awareness. It’s easy to get excited and wildly swing your gun into a blind spot to try to make a shot. Doing so is incredibly reckless and should be avoided at all costs.
Eyes and Ears:Protecting both vision and hearing is important for anyone looking to make hunting more than a one-time affair. The sounds of multiple gunshots at close range can have irreversible effects to your hearing, as can ejected shell casings or a ricocheted pellet to your vision. Always wear ANSI-rated glasses and sound-cancelling ear protection whenever using firearms.
Besides the above, never (and we mean ever) go boating or hunting while under the influence of alcohol. Utilizing firearms and boating are both major responsibilities that require you to have your wits about you. Never risk injuring (or worse) those you may be boating with, or others who may also be hunting on the same waters.
Forgetful, indecisive or ever-busy significant others–listen up! If you’re all out of Valentine’s Day ideas for you and your significant other, we may have you covered. With these boating-and-fishing-inspired tips for a romantic date, you can treat that special someone to a fun excursion or gift that they’re sure to remember for years to come.
Valentine’s Day Ideas to Treat Your Favorite Boater
You catch, I cook: Though some already split the fishing/cooking duties, this is a fantastic way to spend time, bond and enjoy some good eats. Propose the idea of visiting a beloved fishing spot for a full day of cruising and dropping lines, then enjoying the day’s catch for dinner. In case the fish aren’t biting, pick a plan B before hitting the water. Trust us, no one wants a hangry valentine come dinnertime.
Kayaking or canoeing: Both kayaking and canoeing give you the chance to paddle away together, enjoying a bit of outdoor quiet time while soaking in the sun and scenery.
Gifts that keep on giving: You could settle for a nice bottle of wine or box of chocolates, but why not give your partner something they can use while doing what they love? Protective sunglasses, a high-quality boating knife, or even a paid pleasure cruise to get them on the water without the hassle of taking out their own boat are all great options. If unsure, maybe pry a bit to see what they need most for their boat.
Romance on the water: Plan a beachside getaway, even if just for a day. Nothing refreshes like some time on the beach, and there are fewer things more romantic than sharing a sunset on the seashore. If the water permits, consider even decking out your boat for a special Valentine’s Day trip with their favorite music, food and a bit of festive decorating on deck.
A brand new boat: Your significant other would hate if we didn’t at least put it on the list…
Valentine’s Day ideas can sometimes be hard to come by, but even the most hard-to-shop-for boaters are sure to love at least one of the ideas above. As they say, it’s the thought that counts, and showing your beloved that you embrace their boating and fishing fanaticism is sure to generate some smiles come February 14.
Good luck, and have a great time enjoying the love of boating with the one you love.
Outboard vs. inboard motors–boaters often have some deep-seated opinions on this debate. Instead of taking a side (and bracing for hate mail), we decided to get the facts together so that you can be better informed before buying your next boat. Let’s break down the benefits to both propeller pushers.
The Outboard vs. Inboard Motors Debate
For the uninitiated, outboard motors hang off of the stern of the boat and provide the following benefits to boaters:
Safer travel in shallower waters. Outboard motors can be adjusted or lifted completely out of the water to avoid running aground.
More space on your deck and below deck. Though an outboard will take up some space at the stern, it is often much less than the space needed to house an inboard motor.
Much easier maintenance. Repairs are extremely easy to conduct since the motor is not in a confined, cramped engine compartment.
Inboard motors are not without merit, however. Sitting in an engine compartment under the deck, they provide boaters:
A lower center of gravity, which may help keep a boat upright in rough seas.
Better horsepower and torque, depending on the model. Many inboard motors are larger and more powerful than their outboard counterparts.
A quieter ride, as the motor is tucked in a compartment onboard instead of our in the open.
Another consideration is how the boat feels to maneuver. Inboard motors require much more power to steer in a particular direction, while outboard motors are a bit more easily handled. It’s definitely a personal preference decision, but one you should keep in mind if you are used to one propulsion method or the other.
The outboard vs. inboard debate is sure to rage on, but as long as you’re on the water, it’s hard to have a bad time. Do your homework, ask a friend and buy the boat that best suits your wants and needs.
Regardless of the boat you choose, when it’s time to dock up, Hi-Tide will be there to give you a lift.
It’s nearly January and with the start of the new year comes a post-holiday hangover of too-many-turkey dinners, gallons of eggnog and nearly a metric ton of sweets. Many of us leave the holiday season feeling a bit bigger in the waistline, slower to the start and suspended in a post-party funk.
To slim down, decompress and enter 2017 with a new excuse to hit the water, give kayaking a go.
Kicking off 2017 with Kayaking
How can kayaking benefit you for years to come?
Clear Your Mind: If you’re already a fan of boating, then you’re sure to understand the serenity of a day spent on the water. Kayaking on a quiet lake while soaking in the sun, sights and wildlife is something of a meditative experience for many kayakers. Florida is covered in lakes, streams, inlets and other calm waterways just waiting to be leisurely explored all year long.
Cardio, Sans Treadmill:Though some get a kick out of spending hours sweating off post-holiday poundage on a treadmill, exercise bike or elliptical machine, we promise, there is a better way. It’s called kayaking. Not only do you get to soak up sights, smells, and sounds of the great outdoors, but you get to do so while getting that killer cardiovascular workout you’ve been itching for. Weight loss, stress reduction, improved heart and lung health and so much more can be achieved with a paddle in hand.
Yep, Another Reason to Hit the Water:OK, you’ve found us out. You know we’re just looking for another reason to get out on the water, and this is the perfect excuse. Even if this is your first time kayaking, it is extremely easy to find instructors to lend a hand, and just as easy to get the hang of once practicing in the calm waters of local lakes or ponds.
Though we’re all for kicking back and gorging on extra helpings of holiday ham, it’s a good idea to (eventually) get back into beach-bod shape in time for summer. Why not workout while on the water, taking in the natural beauty that the Sunshine State has to offer? Seems like a win/win to us.
If you’re interested in learning about kayak lifts, give us a call at 800.544.0735 or visit our site for more info coming soon!
Though the movie, Jaws, has terrified generations of beachgoers, divers and boaters, as it turns out, a great white holds nothing on an invasive species taking over the waters North Carolina down to parts of South America and the Gulf of Mexico. Its name is “lionfish” and, though not king of the jungle, this invasive species has the potential to have a quite destructive reign over our waters.
Luckily, people like us like boating, and many boaters also enjoy fishing and angling across our coastlines. Yes, we are saying that you can make a difference in the world by catching your dinner tonight.
But let’s get some facts on the lionfish first.
What You Need to Know Before Catching and Cooking Lionfish
Are Lionfish Dangerous? Lionfish have 13 sharp spines that are venomous and should be avoided when catching these creatures. These spines must be removed before cooking to avoid injury. When cleaning a lionfish, it is recommended that your use a pair of puncture-proof gloves to make the process both easier and safer.
Can I Eat Lionfish?Not only is lionfish edible, it is now served in many restaurants in an effort to drive down the numbers of the invasive species. Heat neutralizes the lionfish’s venomous spines (though it’s still recommended to just remove them beforehand) and the meat of the fish is apparently mild and easy to prepare as everything from filets to fish tacos.
How Can I Catch Lionfish?Unfortunately, lionfish are rarely caught on lines. Instead, you’ll have to resort to spearfishing or using a net. Note that the lionfish can be found year round and have an unlimited daily bag limit, so fish away. If you don’t care to catch the fish yourself, contact the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to report sightings.
How Do I Treat a Lionfish Sting?If stung, do not panic. The venom of a lionfish, though painful, is rarely deadly.
Immediately get back on your boat and inspect the wound.
If necessary, remove any remnant of the lionfish’s spine and disinfect the area.
Run the injury under hot but non-scalding water, then let it soak for approximately 30 minutes.
Contact the Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 and seek professional medical attention as soon as possible.
Again, this injury has very low chances of being life threatening, but it is better for have a professional monitor your reaction to the toxin than go without treatment.
With a high reproduction rate and no natural predators in our waters, we have to step up and start eating the lionfish before it eats the the native fish of our waters.
We know, we know. It’s tough–yet another reason to get out on your boat and spend the day on the water, just to go home to a fresh fish dinner. However, lionfish are our burden; and we are hungry for more.
