Posted December 14, 2015 12:07 pm by Comments

By Vanessa Torres

Louisiana DWF Announces 2016 Duck Stamp Contest
Hunters urged to clean, drain and dry during duck season
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

Arkansas -(Ammoland.com)- When the second segment of waterfowl season opens Saturday, Dec. 10, hunters will take to the water in search of mallards and memories.

They may be harboring a few stowaways that can leave a lasting mark on Arkansas waters. Invasive plants and other exotic species can hitch rides on duck boats and waterfowl hunting equipment, spreading to new areas and destroying wildlife habitat.

Jimmy Barnett, aquatic nuisance species coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, says the nomadic habits of ducks and duck hunters can make the perfect distribution system for unwanted exotic species.

“When rivers begin to flood, ducks move around to access new food sources and hunters follow,” Barnett said. “Anything they carry and use in the water could be a pathway for invasive species like zebra mussels and exotic vegetation.”

Hunters can help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species by following the three-step process of clean, drain and dry anytime they move to new water:

  • Clean all equipment – Remove all plants and pieces of vegetation, seeds and mud off your waders, …Read the Rest

    Source:: AmmoLand

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