Bismarck, N.D. (AP) North Dakota's Game and Fish Department is encouraging hunters who use boats to wear properly fitted life jackets while on the water.
Boat and Water Safety Coordinator Nancy Boldt says there are hunting jackets available with life jackets already built in, so there's no excuse not to wear a life jacket.
Boldt says a boat loaded with hunting gear and dogs can quickly become unbalanced, causing hunters to fall overboard or a boat to capsize.
She says eight people have drowned in state waters since 1998 while hunting from a boat, and none was wearing a life jacket.