often submerged a few inches under
the water. High water allows boats
to float over the tops of these perma-
nent structures.
“I recently hit a f loating sub-
merged railroad tie,” Scott said.
“Steel props are necessary for the
unexpected. You never know what
is f loating under the surface. You
have to be smart on the river. Scout
it out in daylight and remember it
will likely be different the next day
because anything can float in over-
night including logs or root wads on
a big tree. The river can f luctuate
three feet a day without rain, just
water from the locks and dams.”
About five years ago Scott fin-
ished a hunt and went out to pick
up some teal that had floated down
the river. He drifted out and then
turned the boat around and tried
to get it up on plane before hitting
a submerged log that tore off the
prop and bent the drive. He had to
be rescued after learning another of
many expensive lessons.
“The Mississippi River is not
a place for your motor to quit,”
Scott said. “Make sure you keep up
engine maintenance and that some-
one knows where you plan to be in
case of trouble. Carry the local fire
department’s phone number; most
have boats and rescue crews.”
Always carry material and a wind-
proof lighter for starting a fire in a
waterproof container. Many of the
Mississippi River hunters wear float
coats. Extra dry clothing is good too.
Scott keeps a cell phone in his pocket,
wrapped in a waterproof bag.
You can become a snowbird and
follow the river all the way down
south to hunt areas not frozen. The
water stays open below the main
dams which are defined by num-
bers as Lock and Dam 21, Lock and
Dam 22, etc. Check regulations for
each pool.
I highly recommend finding a guide
or going with an experienced Missis-
sippi River hunter. The price will be
inexpensive compared to replacing a
motor’slowerunitorputtingyourself
andothersina dangerous,potentially
life-threatening,situation.
TheMississippiRiveris neverto
betakenlightly.
wildfowlmag.com September 2019 | WILDFOWL Magazine 99
© Jamie Burlovich