RedactedNarrative: Subject was scouting ducks on the upper Pearl River on 12/01/2016.  Operator was about two miles north of the Leake County Water Park landing. Operator had two passengers. Operator turned off the main river channel about two miles up the river and entered a large slough.  About 150 yards into the slough, Operator turned to the west and entered a smaller slough. Within twenty yards of entering the second slough, he encountered a 90 degree curve to the right.  Approximately fifteen yards past the turn, a huge oak tree was completely across the water.  The tree was approximately 30 inches in diameter.  
  
  Operator's vessel struck a large limb that was protruding downward into the water.  The limb had approximately a fourteen inch diameter.  Upon impact with the limb, a passenger in the front of the boat was thrown forward and her head hit a metal bracket on the gunnel of the boat.  Victim was transported to UMMC by ambulance.  Victim received stitches for a head laceration located on her forehead.  She also was treated for a broken nose.  Victim was released after treatment.  Operator stated that he had recently been in the same slough and the huge oak tree was still standing and it had not fallen and blocked the slough.  Victim and other occupant were sitting on an unfastened Yeti Cooler.  both were thrown forward upon impact.