Trip Preparation

A hunter knows guns and game animals. A boater knows life jackets. Make sure everyone who will be in the boat has a life jacket that fits and meets the needs of the situation. Float coats are usually a bit over the top for Arizona. But it is not hard to find a low-profile and even camouflage life jacket. Look into inflatable life jackets that will inflate automatically should the wearer fall into the water. Be sure that whatever type you get, it will work over your jacket layers. A life jacket works if you are wearing it. Period.

A hunter spends a great deal of time getting familiar with the hunt rules and regulations. A boater needs to do the same with watercraft rules and regulations. They will keep you safe and legal.

• Be sure the boat is large enough to carry you and your gear safely.
• Stow your gear low in the boat and spread the weight evenly. Firearms require special attention and will be treated in greater detail in a different section. Stay tuned.
• Since you are familiar with the boating rules and regulations, you will also know if your boat requires a fire extinguisher or a throwable floatation aid. Right?
• Be sure to have nighttime visual distress signals along for emergencies.
• Make sure the navigation lights work. You may know the way to your honey hole in the dark. But much good that does you when the bass boat runs you over because he couldn’t see you.
• Leave a float plan with someone back home. This should outline your plan on the water and give as much detail as possible to help locate you if necessary.
• Arizona weather is unpredictable and you can get caught unprepared and ill-equipped if not careful. Always check the weather report before heading out and be willing to change or cancel your plans if the wind and water conditions aren’t safe.