Lifejackets for Duck Hunters

Load up and launch a boat in the wee hours. Head to a secluded area. Sit quietly in the boat and watch and wait. In and of themselves, these tasks are not too daunting for a seasoned boater who, for example, is going fishing. But when you apply the process to duck hunting, the seemingly simple process has a whole new layer of potential risk.

Hunting gear is heavy. Decoys need to be set and retrieved (ie, lots of leaning in and out of the boat). And not only do you want to be quiet, but you want to be completely unnoticed by your prey while you are sitting and waiting. On top of all that, duck hunting does not happen in the summertime. It happens in the fall and winter when not only is the water considerably cooler but the potential for rain, wind, and snow can limit even the most stoic hunter's ability to withstand the chill.

The last thing you want -- after launching the boat, getting to your spot, and setting your decoys -- is to "call it a day" too soon because you got too cold.

Consider, then, the float coat: wind-breaking, waterproof, insulated, camouflaged, AND buoyant. You simply can't beat a float coat if it’s cold out and you're on a boat.

If you decide to make a float coat your PFD, it has to fit you correctly. And you will need to read the label to determine how it qualifies as a lifejacket. Some lifejackets need to be worn in order to be US Coast Guard-approved; others do not. Make sure you know what the requirements are for yours.