Systems and methods for retrieving and deploying objects on a body of water

A watercraft for retrieving a downed waterfowl on a body of water, the watercraft comprising:

• a first floatation member and a second floatation member;
• a containment structure situated between the first and second floatation members and having an interior defining an internal cargo area of the watercraft, the containment structure comprising:
• a partially-submerged open front side dimensioned to accommodate entry of the downed waterfowl into the internal cargo area through the partially-submerged open front side;
• a fully-submerged lower containment element defining a lower side of the internal cargo area, wherein (i) a leading edge of the lower containment element defines a lower boundary of the partially-submerged open front side, (ii) the leading edge is submerged to a depth sufficient to allow the downed waterfowl to pass over the leading edge and through the partially-submerged open front side, and (iii) the lower containment element comprises multiple rigid members spaced apart from one another at distances sufficient to allow water to freely pass therethrough while obstructing the downed waterfowl from passing therethrough;
• and
• a rear containment element defining a rear side of the internal cargo area.

A watercraft for retrieving a downed waterfowl on a body of water, the watercraft comprising:

• a first floatation member and a second floatation member;
• a containment structure situated between the first and second floatation members and having an interior defining an internal cargo area of the watercraft, the containment structure comprising:
• a partially-submerged open front side dimensioned to accommodate entry of the downed waterfowl into the internal cargo area through the partially-submerged open front side;
• a lower containment element defining a lower side of the internal cargo area, wherein (i) a leading edge of the lower containment element defines a lower boundary of the partially-submerged open front side, (ii) the leading edge is submerged to a depth sufficient to allow the downed waterfowl to pass over the leading edge and through the partially-submerged open front side, (iii) a forward portion of the lower containment element extending rearwards from the leading edge is submerged and angled downwards in a direction towards the open front side, the forward portion comprising multiple rigid members spaced apart from one another at distances sufficient to allow water to freely pass therethrough while obstructing the downed waterfowl from passing therethrough, and (iv) a rear portion of the lower containment element is positioned at or above a surface of the body of water;
• and
• a rear containment element defining a rear side of the internal cargo area.

A watercraft for retrieving a downed waterfowl on a body of water, the watercraft comprising:

• a first floatation member and a second floatation member;
• and
• a containment structure situated between and providing a rigid connection between the first floatation member and the second floatation member, and having an interior defining an internal cargo area of the watercraft, the containment structure comprising:
• a partially-submerged open front side dimensioned to accommodate entry of the downed waterfowl into the internal cargo area through the partially-submerged open front side;
• a lower containment element defining a lower side of the internal cargo area, wherein (i) a leading edge of the lower containment element defines a lower boundary of the partially-submerged open front side, (ii) the leading edge is submerged to a depth sufficient to allow the downed waterfowl to pass over the leading edge and through the partially-submerged open front side, and (iii) at least a forward portion of the lower containment element extending rearwards from the leading edge is submerged and comprises multiple rigid members spaced apart from one another at distances sufficient to allow water to freely pass therethrough while obstructing the downed waterfowl from passing therethrough, and (iv) a rear portion of the lower containment element is positioned higher than the leading edge of the lower containment element such that the downed waterfowl is at least partially raised in the water or above a surface of the water by the rear portion;
• and
• a rear containment element defining a rear side of the internal cargo area.