As the weather gets colder, kayakers and canoers should keep in mind that cold water can be unforgiving in the fall. For paddlers with just a few inches of freeboard to spare, getting wet this time of year can have serious consequences, says BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety. So they offer these seven tips for fall paddlecraft safety.

* Know how to re-board: All paddlecraft are different, so before you hit a lonely remote stretch of river, stream or lake, learn (in a safe place) hot to get back in the boat quickly as hypothermia is a threat that increases by the minute. Some paddlers add extra floatation inside the boat as it can help reboarding (ie. inflating a beach ball or buying aftermarket float bags). If you do fall out and can't get back in, stay with the kayak or canoe, as it's a bigger target for rescuers to see.

* Don't keep it a secret: Tell someone where you're going by filing a float plan. It could be as simple as telling your spouse, in writing, where you're going and what time you plan to return. Be as specific as you can – this isn't time to forget to mention you're heading to your hidden fishing hole two miles off the beaten channel.

* Understand the basic rules of navigation: You may not be out there with icebreakers, but try to remain visible to other boat traffic if on a lake as the smallest boats are hardest to see. One tip is to spray the tips of your paddles a bright color.

* Don't leave home without a bailer: With low freeboard – or the distance from the water to the gunwale – paddlecraft are prone to getting water aboard. Once it starts, it's only a matter of time before your kayak or canoe becomes ever lower to the water. Keep water out and buoyancy up by having a bailer ready (tip: tie one to each seat).

* Thermal up or down: Neoprene gloves, a drysuit or wetsuit tops and hats are the ultimate protection in retaining body heat this time of year. However, have outdoor gear that offers versatility by being able to cool down to warm up when needed. Even if it may feel like summer, never leave shore in just a t-shirt and shorts. It only takes just a short change of weather or a dunking to drench you and the hypothermia clock starts ticking.

* Going remote? Go Personal Locator Beacon (PLB): Advances in GPS technology have brought down the cost of PLBs, but if your budget is tight, you can rent one from BoatUS (www.BoatUS.org/epirb) for $45 weekly, plus shipping. To get a 10 percent discount on the weekly rate until Dec. 1, 2014, mention code "DISC10."

* Keep it secure up top: There are several ways to transport your paddlecraft if you don't own a pickup truck. For a quick read on the three basic types of roof rack systems and ways to safely secure it go to wwwBoatUS.com/addingpaddlecraft. You don't want your craft to meet the road or become a hazard for oncoming vehicles.

ANTLERLESS

MUZZLELOADER STARTS OCT. 18

The antlerless deer muzzleloader season has an eight-day run beginning Saturday, Oct. 18. At this time hunters can use a flintlock or inline muzzleloader .44 caliber or larger to hunt antlerless deer with the appropriate antlerless license.

Then beginning Oct. 23 and running to Oct. 25., Junior and Senior license holders and PA residents serving on active duty in U.S. Armed Services or in the U.S. Coast Guard, may hunt antlerless deer during this special firearms season, again, with the appropriate antlerless license. At this time centerfire firearms are legal to use.

Firearms hunters are reminded that there will be bowhunters hunting at the same time so extra caution is necessary. All hunters should wear orange during these combined seasons.