Plan Ahead to Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species

This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s August, 2019 eNewsletter.

By Jeanne Scherer, AIS Outreach Specialist, UW Madison-Division of Extension, Natural Resources Institute, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Chris Hamerla of Golden Sands RC&D 

As summer swelters on, are you dreaming of a crisp fall morning in your blind? Before that day dawns, here are a few ideas for preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in your favorite hunting areas.

Hunters during last year’s duck season opener at a MS River boat launch.Credit: Jeff Jackson

Decoys with cracks or unnoticed holes can let water seep in that could carry tiny organisms, such as the larvae of invasive snails and clams. By drilling a small hole in the tip of the tail and one at the tip of the bill, you can easily drain a decoy when removing it from the water. After hunting, also make sure to remove any mud and vegetation on their posts, keels, or anchors before you leave the area.

Dogs’ fur and vests can hide mud, seeds and even small snails. A jug or two of clean water, brushes and lint rollers are good tools to have in your cleaning arsenal. Of course, thoroughly cleaning your dog before you leave the hunting area can be extremely difficult. Wisconsin’s invasive species law, NR40, asks that you put forth your best effort, understanding that perfection is not always possible or practical.

Many access points now have wader/boot cleaning stations with large roller brushers thanks to WWA and other partners. It also pays to carry along a large stiff brush, that you can use on trailers and boats and to have a smaller brush on hand for the tread of your boots. A grabbing tool for reaching under a boat on a trailer can make removing plants much easier. The tiny plants watermeal and duckweed, that seem to stick to everything, do not need to be thoroughly removed.

Blinds are a special concern for AIS and waterfowl hunters. They can hide or even be made from invasive species. It’s not uncommon to find a patch on non-native phragmites (common reed) right next to a hunting site and nowhere else in a wetland, leaving little question about how it got there. It’s simply best to avoid phragmites, regardless of it being the native or non-native species. The two are very difficult to tell apart. On top of that, non-native phragmites is restricted in some counties and prohibited in others. A list can be found here. If you do opt for using natural materials, the law states that you can only use dead stems, with no seed heads or roots attached. It may be easier to go with artificial blinds.

Throughout Wisconsin, we have AIS specialists willing to talk to hunt clubs and WWA chapters about AIS Prevention. Click on your county on this map for contacts. Waterfowl Hunter AIS brochures and Wild cards featuring specific species  are available to share with fellow hunters. If you are planning a special event, like a season kick off banquet or a hunting day for disabled hunters, bird bands, boot brushes or camo style boat towels with the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! messaging are available for free. Contact DNRAISinfo@wisconsin.gov to order or get more information.

Clean Boats, Clean Waters boat inspectors will be at many launches for the September 28th duck season opener. This year, they’ll also hand out camo boat towels to make clean up a little easier.

Remember, every time you leave the water:

Inspect boat, trailer, motor and hunting equipment. Don’t forget your boots, blinds and dogs, too!

Remove all plants, animals and mud.

Drain all water from decoys, boat, motor, and other hunting equipment.

Never move plants or live fish away from a water body.