DUCK HUNTING PFD

[anthropisces]

What pfd do you folks hunting from boats use? Do you prefer inflatables or normal pfds. Are there any particular brands and models that you like? 

[Oldguy]

I use a manual inflatable vest but I would recommend an auto-inflate or regular PFD, especially for waterfowling. Falling into cold water can cause cold shock and in that case, you might not be able to pull the inflation toggle.

[anthropisces]

I've never had an inflatable but it seems that shouldering the gun would work best with one. I'll probably also get a manual inflate. If I get knocked out then I guess that'll be on my tombstone if they find me.

[Stein]

I wouldn't use an inflatable, I don't trust them.  I also likely wouldn't hunt in a pfd since you either need to be beached or at anchor to hunt.  I would absolutely wear one on the way out and back though.

Neoprene waders give a nice bit of extra flotation and warmth in addition to a pfd, I often wear them when it's cold just to stay warm and semi-dry even if I'm not wading.  I've gone in rivers several times in them and they will float you, especially if they are reasonably tight but you do need to work to keep your head out of the water as they try to push your legs up.

[BD1]

Use a wader belt too

[HaydenHunter]

Depends on what you are using the PFDs for.  If I was out in deep water on a coastal diver hunt I would keep the PFD on.  But we use the boat for transport generally and then park it and hunt out of layout blinds.  Or if I hunt out of the boat blind (now only 2-3X a year) we are in water shallow enough for our 48" max decoy lines to hold.  Usually the boat is in no more than 3' of water.  Because of this, we don't have to keep the PFDs on while we hunt.  I buy Cabelas 2XL or 3XL vests and they will fit over our layered upper body outerware system on the ride out and back.  No need to spend big bucks.

Another point is that if you are not needing camo for wearing a PFD while hunting, bright colors are best.  You want to be seen in the water, not blend with it, should you be in the unfortunate circumstance of needing rescue.

[Bookworm007]

If you are hunting the river from a boat you can't beat the comfort and utility of inflatable life jackets. Plus they come in camo! I mostly hunt marshes so my biggest concerns are falling or stepping into deep water by accident for that you can't beat a flotation jacket. It also meets coast guard requirements for boats.

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-men039s-waterfowl-jacket?a=2132107&szc=003&clrc=BSM&pm2d=CSE-SPG-15-PLA&utm_medium=PLA&utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=CI&gclid=CjwKCAjwzvX7BRAeEiwAsXExo6jb7u1HNrbys8mwNDHr7WjgCt-w6Z5c-vEJbYu1dWkOuuN-dvP8GhoCvqsQAvD_BwE

[fowl smacker]

That is not a float coat in the link you posted.  I have a camo cabelas life jacket I keep on when in the kayak or if I take a walk about in unfamiliar marsh.  It has mesh on the shoulders and has no interference when shouldering my shotgun.  Another good option is a float coat, but then that would replace whatever coat you're wearing and I prefer to keep my Sitka on.