With the onset of the autumn season, thousands of hunters get on the water bodies in search of trophies, and for many of them, they are not. boat-hunt It's the only way to get a shot, and unlike land-based hunting, it's a watercraft that gives you access to hard-to-reach places where birds feel safe and don't let you get shot, but it requires not only great shooting skills, but also a deep understanding of hydrodynamics, rules of navigation and, most importantly, relevant legislation.
Inexperienced hunters often underestimate the risks of being in an unstable boat with a loaded gun. GIMS statistics are inexorable: a significant proportion of water accidents occur during hunting due to tipping over or violation of gun rules. It's important to understandWater is an aggressive environment that does not forgive mistakes, especially in the cold season, when the water temperature is close to zero.
Before planning access to the reservoir, you need to carefully study the legal aspects, as they can vary dramatically depending on the region and the status of the reservoir. Shooting from a boat during the spring hunt for migratory game is universally prohibited and entails the confiscation of weapons and heavy fines.In autumn, restrictions are also in place, but are more selective, depending on the specific land.
Legislative requirements and prohibitions of GIMS
The first step for any waterfowl hunter is to study the rules of hunting in a particular federal entity. Can we hunt from a boat? Spring hunting, aimed at shooting spleen, is allowed only from the approach or from the delay, but only from the shore, the use of floating aids for active search and shooting at this time is strictly prohibited, so as not to ruin nests and disturb birds during breeding.
In the autumn-summer period, the rules become more loyal, but they still impose a number of restrictions: for example, in many regions, it is forbidden to use motorboats to corral birds or shoot from a moving vessel; Hunting from a motor is equated with poaching, since the motor frightens game at long distances and disrupts natural habitat; Motor driving is allowed only for transportation to the hunting place, with the motor being silenced and fishing gear being discharged.
⚠️ Note: Using a motorboat to chase game or shoot from a moving boat is an administrative offence and can be qualified as poaching with confiscation of equipment.
Any boat with a carrying capacity of more than 225 kg or with an engine installed with a capacity of more than 8 kW (about 10 hp) is subject to mandatory registration with the GIMS. Lack of registration, management rights or disregard of the rules for wearing life jackets can cause serious conversation with inspectors on the water. During the hunting season raids are regularly conducted, and penalties for not wearing life jackets can cause serious conversation with inspectors on the water. lifejacket On board, almost every offender is discharged.
Choosing the Best Floating Float for Hunting
The choice of boats is the foundation of successful and safe hunting. Fishing inflatable mattresses or narrow canoes are completely unsuitable for this purpose due to low stability and the risk of shooting at the board. PVC with a low pressure inflatable floor (LDP) or a hard floorboard bottom, as well as metal dural boats of the Kazanka or Ob type.
PVC inflatable boats are valued for their ease of transport and gentleness, which is important for long-term immobile conditions. However, they are more vulnerable to punctures on sharp reeds or ice. Metal boats, on the contrary, are highly durable and allow for stationary platforms to be installed, but they are heavier and colder. When choosing a size, you should focus on the number of hunters: for one person, the optimal length is 320-360 cm, for two – at least 380 cm.
The critical parameter is the width of the cockpit and the presence of a hard transan. A narrow boat with high sides has a high center of gravity, which makes it prone to roll when moving sharply or throwing a gun. A wide and low boat provides the necessary stability. sling and linear lines around the perimeter of cylinders - they allow you to stay overboard in case of falling into the water, which can save lives in a critical situation.
When choosing a hunting boat, give preference to models of light gray, olive or camouflage color. Bright blue or red boats strongly unmask the hunter and scare away the cautious bird.
Boat Equipment: anchors, camouflage and safety
Just having a boat is not enough, it needs to be properly equipped. The first and most important element is the anchor system. Duck hunting requires a reliable fixation in the wind and current so that the boat does not turn side to wave. The optimal solution is to use two anchors: aft and a bow, which allows you to rigidly fix the boat in the right position relative to the direction of the wind from which the bird should fly.
The second aspect is camouflage. The open boat is visible to the duck a mile away. The successful hunt uses camouflage nets, artificial vegetation, or special scramble covers that are worn on the boards. It is important that the camouflage not only hides the silhouette of the hunter, but also does not interfere with the free throwing of the gun. pole-wheel or special racks for fastening reeds directly on the sides of the boat.
| Equipment element | Appointment | Security requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Cat anchor | Fixing on the solid bottom | Presence of a phalo and buoy to lift |
| Save the vest | Keeping afloat | Bright color, presence of reflectors |
| cerpak | Removal of water from the cockpit | Must be tied to the boat. |
| Lantern | Signaling and lighting | It is required by the GIMS rules at night. |
Safety also involves having a water pumping scoop that should always be at hand, not in a bag of things. If water gets in (from a wave or rain), the count is for seconds. In addition, all equipment, including cartridge drawers and thermoses, must be attached or tied to the boat. When overturned, loose items instantly sink or are carried away by the current, leaving the hunter without the means to survive.
☑️ Checking equipment before exit
Shooting Techniques and Behavior on the Water
Shooting from a boat is very different from ground-based shooting, and the lack of a solid foothold makes its own adjustments to the hunter's stance. centreShooting is done sitting on the bottom of a boat or on a low bench with your legs wide open for pointing, and standing is only permitted on very wide and stable vessels, but even then, the risk of losing balance is high.
Special attention should be paid to the direction of the barrels. It is strictly forbidden to point weapons towards the sides, even if they appear high and bulletproof. Shotting on the side of an inflatable boat will lead to instant loss of buoyancy and rapid flooding. Shotting at a metal board can cause a ricochet that injures the shooter or his partner. Shooting is carried out strictly in the sector above the nose or stern, or through special windows in disguise, pointing up and to the sides.
⚠️ Warning: Never shoot at less than 30 degrees in the direction of water. The shot can ricochet off the water surface and hit you or your boat.
An important aspect is the interaction with the partner: if there are two people in the boat, they must clearly agree on the sector of fire each. Chaotic throwing of guns in the tight space of the boat is a direct route to injury. The weapon must be discharged when moving the boat at anchor or when rearranging stuffed cars. The cartridge can be placed in the chamber only when the bird is already selected for shooting.
Why can't you shoot at the side?
PVC polymeric materials, when shot, not only get a hole, but can quickly break down under water pressure, especially if the inner layer is damaged. The metal side, when hit by a fraction, gives many small ricochets that fan out, which is deadly in a confined space.
Seasonal features and weather conditions
The weather dictates its conditions, and the hunter must be prepared for any surprises. In autumn, fogs are characteristic, which can completely hide landmarks and make navigation impossible. In such conditions, it is extremely dangerous to go out into open water without a GPS navigator or a compass. Cold rain and wind quickly dehydrate the body, so having thermal underwear and a waterproof layer of clothing is a must, not just a recommendation.
Spring hunting often takes place in conditions of ice or the presence of shooga. Going to the ice crumb on a regular boat is prohibited and dangerous - sharp edges of ice instantly cut through PVC tubes. For such conditions, special ice boats with reinforced bottoms, but their use requires special skills. During the freezing of water, hunting from boats is also often prohibited by local authorities due to the high risk of failure under the ice.
Wind is the enemy of stability. With winds above 5-7 meters per second, it becomes dangerous to be in open water in a small boat. A wave can overwhelm the board, and gusts of wind can turn a boat with a sailing area of disguise. Experienced hunters know that it is better to sit in a car or at home than risk your life for a pair of ducks in a storm.
Frequent Mistakes of Beginner Hunters
Incident and observational analysis shows that beginners often step on the same rake. The most common mistake is neglecting training. A person can shoot perfectly from the ground, but on water his vestibular apparatus and muscles work differently. Lack of practice of getting into a boat with a full gear, a gun and a dog can lead to falling into the water before hunting.
The second mistake is overloading the boat. The desire to take more ammunition, stuffed ones, thermoses and a dog often causes the boat to land too low on the water. In calm weather, this may not be noticeable, but any wave or sudden movement will lead to a flood of water. Load capacity The boats must be calculated with a margin, taking into account the weight of all people and equipment.
The third mistake is ignoring the condition of the boat: punctures, scuffing, not fully closed valves can all be fatal far from shore. Before each season, you need to conduct a full test of the boat, pump it and leave it for a day to check the pressure. Use of glue or patches "by eye" without degreasing and proper technology is also unacceptable.
Safety on hunting from a boat depends not on luck, but on careful preparation, compliance with the rules of the GIMS and a sober assessment of their strength and weather conditions.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Can I use a sonar or a navigator while hunting?
The use of electronic navigation devices is permitted and even recommended for safety, but the use of a sonar or other instruments to actively search and corral birds may be regarded by inspectors as the use of technical means for hunting, which is prohibited in many areas, and the device should only be used for safety, not for prey.
Do I need to register a boat if there is no motor?
According to the current rules of the GIMS, registration is subject to boats weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an installed engine with a capacity of more than 8 kW. Light inflatable boats without a motor, as a rule, do not require registration, but the rules may change, so it is worth checking the current information in the local branch of the GIMS.
What to do if the boat overturned on the hunt?
The key is not to panic or release a gun (unless it prevents you from swimming, but it is better to let go so as not to drown with it). You need to turn the boat over, lean on the side and try to scoop up water or use the boat as a floating tool, rowing to the shore with your feet. If you have a partner, help each other. Scream and use the whistle, attracted the attention of other hunters can save lives.
Is hunting from a boat allowed at night?
Hunting at night is prohibited by Russian hunting rules. Hunting time is limited to 3 hours before sunrise and up to 12 p.m. (or before sunset, depending on the region), Being on a pond at night with weapons and stuffed animals can be regarded as night hunting, which is a serious offense.