CASS COUNTY, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A group of six duck hunters were rescued from Leech Lake after their small duck boat flipped. The incident occurred around 5:20 a.m. Sunday.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Officer responded to the call and launched his watercraft to rescue the hunters. Four juvenile males were rescued on the first trip, with two more being brought ashore at 7:05 a.m.
All six had been in the water or on the capsized boat. They were treated for exposure and mild hypothermia on scene.
The investigation indicates that the group left the Battle Point boat landing and traveled across Boy Bay for approximately three miles when their small duck boat flipped.
One of the hunters was able to call 911, using mapping technology to locate them. Life jackets were in the boat but not worn at the time of the incident.
Conditions were dark and windy with water temperatures around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota DNR share safety information for all waterfowl hunters and fall fishermen:
- Always wear a PFD, as it greatly reduces the chance of sudden drowning due to cold shock.
- Dress for the water temperature by wearing thermal protection like wetsuits or dry suits that provide enough warmth to keep you functioning in case of immersion.
Chris Harper reporting for trfnews.i234.me