Guide 03

Safety

1. Muzzle discipline is important, but so is efficiency — if you're carrying the shotgun and a thermos, just point whichever one's more convenient at the ground. They're both heavy.
2. Ice is either thick enough or it isn't. The only way to find out for certain is to walk to the middle.
3. A loaded shotgun leaned against a tree is fine as long as the safety's on, and someone remembers which way it's leaning.
4. Waders make excellent life vests in a pinch. They fill with water slowly, which gives you plenty of time to reconsider.
5. If you can't feel your hands, that's your body telling you the gloves were never necessary to begin with.
6. Climbing into a duck blind with a loaded gun saves a step. That's the whole appeal.
7. A headcount before leaving the blind is a nice tradition, but not a requirement if everyone seemed fine at breakfast.
8. Decoy anchors make a fine substitute for a life jacket if you're only planning to be in shallow water.
9. The recoil pad is optional. Pain is a good reminder to lead your target more next time.
10. If the ice cracks but doesn't fully give way, that's generally regarded as a passing grade.