Every year around this time, Conservation Officers are called to assist with duck hunters in distress. Officers rescue hunters from the Snake River every year, and regional officers have already participated in rescuing 2 capsized hunters this year. Please keep in mind, when the temps are well below freezing, heavy ice can build up fast on boats. Couple that with boats that are usually overloaded with multiple people, dogs, and decoys, running in the dark, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Cold water immersion can kill fast. In water less than 50 degrees, most people will have 30 seconds of usable movement. If you are in the Snake without a life jacket or PFD this time of year, you are in real trouble. Make sure you make it home folks; use an extra ounce of caution, tell someone where you are going, and ALWAYS wear your PFD.
Happy hunting, and hope to see you out there!