Fight Invasive Species: Wash Your Duck Dog

by
posted on November 30, 2012
201211309432-wash_your_dog.jpg

Here's a photo of me doing my best, apparently, to prevent the spread of invasive species. You see, the non-profit conservation group Wildlife Forever (WF) has launched a campaign encouraging duck hunters to wash their dogs, lest our furry mutts spread invasive aquatic species such as the dreaded zebra mussel. WF also advises proper cleaning of waders, decoys and boats prior to transportation using the "clean, drain, dry" technique.

“Waterfowl hunters have been underrepresented and undereducated about invasive species," Pat Conzemius, Wildlife Forever's Conservation director, told the Great Lakes Echo. Conzemius says about 500,000 duck hunters frequent the Great Lakes region, an area in which invasive species are arguably a greater threat than man-made pollution to the health of the waters.

Aquatic hitchhikers such as Asian carp, milfoil and zebra mussels cling to animals and people, often until they arrive at an unaffected body of water. Then they proliferate like mad, killing fish and closing access for hunters and anglers. Therefore waterfowlers are being encouraged to do all they can to prevent the spread.

Okay, so let's be realistic. Duck hunting can be a brutal, fatiguing endeavor—this is certainly true of the Great Lakes region—and it already has plenty of post-hunt chores we all sometimes put off after a particularly rough hunt. Be honest: Do you always clean your gun when you get home? However, invasive species are a major threat in many areas, so if you're hunting in one of them, do the best you can to ensure your waders, decoys and dogs aren't toting any unwanted passengers.

WF's campaign, which will appear on billboards and in broadcast media, is funded by a $233,830 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Latest

Ledehenry SPD HUSH
Ledehenry SPD HUSH

Henry Repeating Arms Launches HUSH Series Optimized for Suppressor Use

Henry Repeating Arms has officially introduced the HUSH Series. This new line of suppressor-optimized lever-action rifle is the debut release from the company’s Special Products Division (SPD), a new R&D initiative focused on forward-thinking innovation.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Treestands

This latest Member's Hunt comes from Erin Prajzner of Glen Rock, Pa.

New for 2025: Zeiss SFL 50 Binocular

Zeiss has presented its all-new SFL 50 binocular, an extension of the company's SFL family of binocular. It combines the optical performance of a 50 mm binocular, with the size and weight category of competitors’ 42mm frame sizes.

New for 2025: Savage AC30 B.O.B. AccuCan Suppressor

Savage introduces the AC30 B.O.B. (Back Over Barrel) suppressor, a great option for those looking to enhance balance and reduce overall firearm length while shooting suppressed.

First Look: Barnes Harvest Collection Ammunition

Barnes has debuted its Harvest Collection line of ammunition, targeted squarely at American whitetail hunters. Topped with the venerable Sierra Tipped GameKing (TGK) bullet, Barnes Harvest Collection is designed for maximal lethality on thin-skinned game, combining near match-grade accuracy with impressive terminal performance.

First Look: BANISH 30-V2

New from Banish Suppressors, the Banish 30-V2 is an upgraded version of the company’s popular Banish 30 suppressor that is shorter, lighter, quieter and more versatile than ever.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.