Minnesota Waterfowl Season Opens Saturday

ST. PAUL (AP) - With duck hunters anxiously preparing for Saturday's waterfowl opener in Minnesota, the Department of Natural Resources is reminding everyone to think safety on the water.

Two people died in duck hunting-related boating accidents last year. One fatality was an accidental shooting. Overloading, swamping and capsizing are the most common causes, however, while failure to use a life jacket is the most common contributing factor. A Coast Guard-approved life jacket is required for everyone on board all boats, including duck boats.

The DNR says hunting is likely to be good on the opener across most of the state. Waterfowl specialist Steve Cordts says the breeding duck population this spring was very high, and there was a good hatch.

The weather should cooperate, too, with above-average temperatures and no rain.