By Lizzy Reitzloff, Stream Monitoring and AIS Coordinator
Time and time again, we have seen how dedicated hunters are in protecting the health of future waterfowl populations. Cleaning boats and gear after use is one of the most common and impactful ways to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, protecting our waters and the species that depend on them. With that said, we’d like to remind people to check their furry hunting companions.
After an enjoyable day of swimming and racing through muck and vegetation to retrieve birds, the mud in their fur, paws, collars, and vests can also be a vector for the spread of invasives. Hunters should check their pup’s fur, paws and ear flaps, and any equipment they wear for organic materials that don’t belong. Taking a few minutes to wipe them down with a jug of tap water, a towel, or pet wipes before leaving the area can be a great bonding moment, while ensuring your friend isn’t spreading invasives between water bodies.
Without these thorough checks, waterfowl hunters risk spreading harmful invasive species between their favorite hunting spots. For instance, the faucet snail (Bithynia tentaculate) is linked to several large-scale waterfowl die-offs in the Upper Midwest due to the intestinal parasites it can host. Additionally, wetland invaders such as narrow-leaf cattail, non-native common reed, purple loosestrife, and reed canary grass often form dense inaccessible patches and reduce the diversity of waterfowl species’ food sources, nesting habitats, and stop-over locations.
This season, with just a few minutes at the end of a long enjoyable hunt, waterfowl hunters can take steps that can help ensure the long-term survival of the populations they enjoy harvesting and preserve hunting traditions for future generations.