1940 Tragedy Teaches Waterfowl Hunters The Importance of the ‘What If’ Safety Plan

Column and Photographs By DNR Conservation Warden Cody Adams

This article appeared in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s January 2026 eNewsletter. 

Waterfowl hunters, of which I am one, pride themselves on grit.  We roll out before dawn, break ice when needed, and push through the cold, wind, and darkness that most people would not choose to be in.  But as tough as we like to think we are, the simple truth remains: bad things happen in bad weather.

I pass the Armistice Day Storm Memorial whenever I put my patrol boat into the Mississippi River on Pool 09 at Ferryville. The lesson holds powerful lessons for those of us who love being on the water, enjoying our hunting seasons.

This memorial describes the horrible blizzard that took the lives of many waterfowl hunters up and down the Mississippi River.  On Nov. 11, 1940, in the early afternoon, it was 65 degrees outside, and by the evening hours, temperatures dropped over 50 degrees, and winds powered to 50-80 mph. Top that with nearly 30 inches of snow that fell across the Midwest.

The memorial carries this compelling description, worth reading and taking in. Suppose you have never seen the memorial or taken the time to read it. I have it here for us:

“These were the days of limited communication, so as the weather conditions worsened, there was no way of warning the hunters to hurry to shore.  One radio announcer was watching the barometer steadily fall at a station in Alberta, Lea, Minnesota.  He did not realize the significance of that drop until much later, so he said nothing.

The rapid temperature decline, the increase in wind, and the blizzard-like conditions all contributed to trapping people, animals, and the railroads.                                    

 Altogether, at least 161 deaths were storm-related, including over 20 duck hunters on the Mississippi River between Red Wing, Minnesota, and Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin.  An untold number of their hunting dogs also perished.

“This sign is being erected on November 10, 2015, as a memorial to those whose lives were lost,and to the heroism of those who helped. May we never forget the importance of a community in times of adversity.”

Local heroes were numerous for braving the weather to find disoriented and frozen hunters.  In rural areas, people welcomed high school students and strangers into their homes.  Snowfall totals by the end of the storm ranged from 16 to 27 inches with 75 miles per hour winds.

This sign is being erected on November 10, 2015, as a memorial to those whose lives were lost, and to the heroism of those who helped.  May we never forget the importance of a community in times of adversity.”

The Take-Away Lesson For All

At the foundation, the lesson might be to pay attention to the weather, as things can and often do change right before your eyes. As we near the end of the hunting season, it is very important for all hunters to have a plan in place in case the “what if” happens.

Consider these questions for your plan:

• What if I become stranded overnight?
• What if my boat starts taking on water?
• What if someone needs immediate medical attention?
• What if I fall into the water?

We conservation wardens statewide are trained and prepared to handle as many “what if” scenarios we may come across. However, truth be told, it is often another hunter or a hunting group member who is the first responder.

It is important that we hunters do not overload our boats when battling harsh weather conditions. Far too often, I have had to remind hunters that more than one trip is needed to safely haul three adult men, decoys, firearms, ammunition, coolers, blinds, and a dog across the river when there are 3’ waves and the men are utilizing a 14’ jon boat.

Small boats can become unstable and quickly take on water.  It is important to follow the information on boat capacity plates to ensure the boat is not overloaded, which can—and has—caused significant problems for hunters across the state.

Check Boat, Store Safety Tools

Additional things to take into consideration before going on the water during the late season include:

• Ensure all batteries are charged, and electronics are working.
• Fuel tanks are full.
• Ensure bilge pumps (if equipped) are working and not frozen with ice.
• Ensure the boat is equipped with serviceable PFDs and has Type 4 throwable flotation devices.
• Carry a spare boat plug.
• Carry a first-aid kit.
• Carry a survival kit in a waterproof container (matches, flint, fire starters, solar blanket, flare, food, batteries).
• Have extra water or iodine tablets.
• Have a strong flashlight and whistle.
• Store a wool blanket.
• Be cautious of slippery ice on the bottom of the boat or blind.

1940 Lessons Guide Us Today

Bad things always happen in the worst conditions.  The tragedy of 1940 teaches us that it is very important to have a plan. All hunters are urged to ‘plan your hunt and hunt your plan’.

• Before going out, make sure somebody knows exactly where you will be hunting.  Keep your cell phone in a waterproof case and have a spare charging battery.
• If you are wearing chest waders and you fall in deep water, stay calm and bring your knees to your chest.  The trapped air in your legs will allow you to float freely.

Taking the time to plan is a critical step to ensure everyone has a safe hunt while out in the marsh this winter. It also helps us be prepared for the “what ifs” that inevitably will occur as you make a lifetime of waterfowl hunting memories.

Go make memories and tell your exciting hunt stories.