Just because the leave are starting to fall, doesn't mean it's time to pack away the boat just yet. Late summer and early autumn boating can be a beautiful time to enjoy some time on the water. But there are a few extra things to keep in mind if you are heading gout on the water this time of year.

The first piece of advice Darrell Crabbe, President of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation shares, is to check the weather forecast. Fog can appear quickly, as can high waves due to the mixing of warm and cold air. The most important thing to remember is to always wear a personal flotation device (PFD). 

"Most people who fall out of boats die of hypothermia and drowning and most of them of course, don't have life jackets on."

"There's a lot of new innovation in lifejackets. There's what's called the horse-collar that is very unobtrusive and you can actually throw a coat over top of it and you hardly notice it at all. So there's really no excuse not to take advantage of the new technology out there with PFDs."

Another good idea is to shares your fishing or hunting plans with another person who will know where you are going and when you are expected back. 

"It's a really good idea to let someone know, even a conservation officer whereabouts you are, where you're going in and when you plan on coming out."

He also adds that water levels may have changed over the course of the summer so be aware that your favourite fishing holes may be inaccessible.

"Especially up north, a lot of the lakes, the water levels might be down. That usually increases the probability of underwater reefs. So you'll have to take a little more time, take a few more precautions and make sure they get there safe and sound."

He added that this is also the time of year when many animals are on the move and drivers to and from the docks should be on the lookout.

"Maybe take a little more time with animals starting to move because of the rut. We've got a lot more deer and other ungulates are out more than we normally would have so it's a good time to take more precautions."

Estevan Weather Forecast