by Tony Zadonia
M ichigan’s 2013-2014 waterfowl season kick offs on Oct. 5th. We won’t see the diver ducks until the cold, freezing temperatures push them down from the Canadian provinces but that shouldn’t mean that pre-game preparation should be put off until the last minute. If you’re in the middle zone of Michigan, which includes most of the northern Lake Michigan shoreline, start your prep now and be ready to hunt when the ducks start rafting up into Michigan waters come November.
I know, we’ve got big bucks to get on, teal and woodies to hunt, and college football to watch. Well, I agree, but spending a few hours during the week after work or on the weekends before or after a hunt getting the diver rig dialed in should make things run much smoother and safer on the water this November.
Take the layout boat and the tender boat to the launch with a few strings of divers and do a trial run. This will help ensure that boat trailers, motors, and other hunting gear including safety equipment are in good working condition. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than backing the tender boat down at the launch only to find out the battery is dead or the motor will not start. Frigid Lake Michigan waters in late November is no place to figure things out for the first time of the season.
Most of you know the layout hunting game can be dangerous. If you plan to hunt with someone new this year that has not done it before, ask them to come along during a trial run while the water is still somewhat warm. Practice tender swaps into and out of the layout. While you’re at it, check for issues with both the layout boat and the tender boat. Set some strings of divers and check to make sure that mainlines and dropper lines are all in good shape.
Finally, run through some safety scenarios. Where’s the ditch bag, flares, fire extinguisher, pfd’s, spare bilge pump, knife to cut a rope if it gets into the prop, etc. Those of you who have done this know how well gear functions in freezing temperatures when things get wet. Something important usually won’t work, start, or gets broken. Where is the backup or extra this or that?
If taking the rig out on the water in pre-season isn’t in the cards, set it up in the driveway or on the front lawn. Put the muffs on the motor and run it. Go through the entire process of anchoring the layout, setting mainlines with dekes, and walking through all of the safety gear to make sure it’s operational.
Grey skies of November are rapidly approaching so don’t let negligence or last minute preparations put you in a bad scenario out in dangerous waters. Let’s all be safe out there and have a great layout season!
by Tony Zadonia
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