Outdoor briefs

NICE TIME OF YEAR

Fall offers good water and fewer boaters

Now that the long Labor Day weekend is over, so too is the heavy boat traffic associated with the summer boating season. As most boaters turn their attention from summer fun to the daily grind of work and school, they tend to remain closer to home rather than travel to distant boating venues such as Lake Mead or Lake Mohave. That means the best water of the year is left wide open for the enjoyment of local boaters and anglers.

In addition to having fewer boats to contend with, boaters also enjoy calmer water conditions because the winds that buffet boaters almost daily throughout the summer give way to the calmer days of fall. That, in turn, results in calmer water conditions than those seen in the summer as well as cooler temperatures.

"Everything mellows out in the fall. People using the lake are more laid back because the crowds at the launch ramp are gone, and water conditions can be excellent. Some of the best water of the year for pleasure boating and water skiing can be found at Lakes Mead and Mohave from the beginning of September clear into November," said Nick Duhe, boater education coordinator for NDOW.

Duhe recommends that anyone looking to take advantage of Nevada's fall boating season should file a trip plan before they leave home, as well as take along some extra clothing, water and food stores.

HEED THE RULES

Duck hunters subject to boating laws, too

Even though some waterfowl hunters pursue their quarry from a small boat or other watercraft, they sometimes fail to recognize that they are boaters and are therefore subject to Nevada's boating regulations. This is probably because waterfowl hunters generally use their boat simply as the means to get to and from their hunting spot rather than as the means of towing skiers or an inner tube full of kids around their favorite lake. But that kind of thinking doesn't hold water.

With the 2010-11 waterfowl season set to open Oct. 16 in much of the state, the Nevada Department of Wildlife is reminding hunters that they, too, are subject to boating regulations.

First and foremost, everyone onboard the boat should wear a life jacket.

Second, make sure you have all required safety gear on board.

This includes a fire extinguisher, life jackets of proper size and fit for everyone on board, and a Type IV throwable cushion.

Another safety tip is to take a state approved hunter safety course, along with a boating safety course.

More information about those courses can be found at www.ndow.org or by calling (702) 486-5127.