|
|
|
CLICK HERE
2008 Fall Prize Categories 2008 Spring Mack
Days 1st
Week-2,171 Total-9,910
Youth Total-14,415
Youth
*********** |
Safe Boating & Launching: We encourage all anglers to be safe. Check local weather conditions before going out on the lake. Be weather wise, and tell someone your plans, let them know where you are going and when you plan to return.
If you should need emergency assistance call 911
immediately. Keep your cell phone in a plastic zip lock bag or a container
that will keep it dry. Be conscious of clouds, wind direction, or other changing conditions. Weather in Montana is unpredictable. If you see a storm approaching give yourself plenty of time to reach your launch area or a safe place. Keep in mind there maybe several boats at once wanting to load at the ramp area. Lightning can happen miles in front of a storm-watch for hair standing on end, tingling sensations, etc. Get everyone down with Pfd's on and head for shore. Put down antennas, stay low, you could be the tallest object out on the water and the target of a lightning strike. During high wind-wave activity you may want to wait out the storm on the back side of an island, in a bay, or on shore. If you are not close to a safe area keep your bow to the wind, go slow, take waves at an angle, and work your way to safety or anchor facing the wind. Check your fuel supply before leaving, and carry extra fuel. Make sure your boat is in good working condition and that you have proper safety gear on board. Safety gear could include the following: life jackets for every person on board, throw-able device (life ring or floating cushion)-required on boats longer than 16 feet, adequate clothing, first aid kit, high calorie snacks, drinking water, visual signaling device (flares, flag, flash light), cell phone (place in a zip lock bag), tools and spare parts for boat motor, extra rope, sun screen, fire extinguisher, whistle or horn, paddles or oars, and bailing bucket. Launching a boat must be done from established launching areas if provided. Boat owners should prepare their boat before pulling up to the ramp area. Take the cover off the boat, load supplies and equipment, and do a safety check before backing down the ramp area. Do not allow children or others to get into the boat until it is safely in the water. When you do back down the ramp-launch your boat and then move your vehicle so that others can use the ramp.
Practice the three C's-
caution, courtesy, and common
sense. Remember that alcohol impairs your
ability to make good decisions and it impairs your coordination. It is unlawful to operate or be in actual
physical control of a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Boaters
fatigue adds even more stress. Because many different types of recreational
vessels may be sharing a boating area, show respect by operating at safe speeds
and keeping an adequate distance from others. Remember, you are
responsible for any damage your boat, or the wake from your boat, may cause.
Most waterways adjoin private lands or tribal homelands.
Many shoreline and rock
structure areas hold sacred significance to tribal members. Respect their
privacy,
customs, and ceremonies. Do not remove or disturb cloth prayer ties,
offerings, or
other items that have been placed in these areas. These are spiritual
offerings, not
souvenirs. Irreplaceable information about the past is lost if artifacts
are removed
or cultural resource sites damaged. Please report any pilfering or
vandalism you
may observe immediately to local authorities. -US
Army Corps of Engineers
|
|
|
