Waterfowl hunters reminded to avoid spreading invasive species

Media contact: Heidi Wolf, DNR watercraft inspection coordinator, (651) 297-4891.

It is waterfowl hunters’ turn to help stop aquatic hitchhikers by taking steps to avoid inadvertently transporting aquatic invasive species during the hunting season.

Without the proper precautions, invasive species such as purple loosestrife, Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels could be transported in waterfowl hunters’ boats, decoys or blind material.

“Take a few minutes to clean and drain water from boats and equipment,” said Heidi Wolf, DNR watercraft inspection coordinator. “It’s the key to avoiding the spread of invasive species.”

Conservation officers routinely inspect equipment during the hunting season and enforce state regulations relating to invasive species. In addition to draining water and removing plants and animals from boats and trailers, waterfowl hunters should:

- switch to elliptical, bulb-shaped or strap decoy anchors that won’t collect submergent aquatic plants as easily

- inspect and remove aquatic plants, zebra mussels and mud from decoy lines or anchors, push poles, boats and waders

- drain the water from boats and equipment before leaving the lake or marsh

- cut cattails or other plants above the water line when used as camouflage for boats or blinds. To kill or remove life-stages of invasive species such as seeds or young zebra mussels that are difficult to see, the DNR recommends that boaters use a high-pressure spray or a hot water rinse before launching in another water body. Rinse water should be at least 104 degrees.

There are also other non-native invasive species, that have not yet invaded Minnesota. Hydrilla, an aquatic plant, has caused extensive and severe problems in the southern United States for many years and was recently discovered in northern Indiana.

Invasive species can damage habitat for fish, waterfowl and other wildlife.