09-25-2004, 02:27 AM
Waterfowl hunters are urged to help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species by cleaning duck boats, waders and other hunting equipment after each hunting trip, reports Lynn Schlueter, special projects biologist with the department's fisheries division, Devils Lake.
North Dakota does not yet have an overwhelming ANS problem, Schlueter said, and will remain that way if hunters do their part and follow these simple guidelines: [ul] [li]Do not use exotic plants when camouflaging a boat. Use terrestrial plants that will not be a problem in other areas. [li]Remove all aquatic plant materials that have become entangled on the motor, that were moved into the boat, and from the trailer. [li]Disinfect the bottom of the boat with a 20-to-1 solution of common chlorine bleach mixture; or rinse thoroughly with water at least 110 degrees. [li]Clean off mud, which may harbor seeds or plant fragments, from all hunting equipment, decoys and waders. [li]Run a brush through the hunting dog's coat to remove any mud and seed. [/li][/ul]
ANS prevention methods are not time consuming, and should be followed to ensure North Dakota's water quality remains in tact. "It doesn't take long to inspect and clean equipment," Schlueter said, "and hunters will know they did their part in fending off these undesirable species."
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North Dakota does not yet have an overwhelming ANS problem, Schlueter said, and will remain that way if hunters do their part and follow these simple guidelines: [ul] [li]Do not use exotic plants when camouflaging a boat. Use terrestrial plants that will not be a problem in other areas. [li]Remove all aquatic plant materials that have become entangled on the motor, that were moved into the boat, and from the trailer. [li]Disinfect the bottom of the boat with a 20-to-1 solution of common chlorine bleach mixture; or rinse thoroughly with water at least 110 degrees. [li]Clean off mud, which may harbor seeds or plant fragments, from all hunting equipment, decoys and waders. [li]Run a brush through the hunting dog's coat to remove any mud and seed. [/li][/ul]
ANS prevention methods are not time consuming, and should be followed to ensure North Dakota's water quality remains in tact. "It doesn't take long to inspect and clean equipment," Schlueter said, "and hunters will know they did their part in fending off these undesirable species."
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