Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds waterfowl hunters that they can help prevent aquatic invasive species from infesting Montana’s wetlands, rivers and lakes.
The three steps of Clean, Drain, Dry greatly minimize the risk of spreading invasive species. Waterfowl hunters use gear that should be inspected before hunting in a new area. Waterfowl hunters should:
- Clean aquatic plants, animals, and mud from boat, trailer, waders, boots, decoys, decoy lines, and push poles.
- Drain water from decoys, boats, motors, and other hunting equipment.
- Brush hunting dogs and rinse off muddy paws.
- Never move plants from one body of water to another. When using vegetation to construct blinds or conceal duck boats, use only what is available in the immediate hunting area.
Hunters’ watercraft must be inspected if:
- You are coming into Montana from out of state.
- You are traveling west over the Continental Divide into western Montana (the Columbia River Basin).
- You are coming off Tiber or Canyon Ferry reservoirs.
- You are launching anywhere within the Flathead Basin and your watercraft last launched on waters outside of the Flathead Basin.
Many inspection stations are closed for the season, but FWP offers inspections at all FWP area and regional offices.
For more information or to find an inspection station, visit CleanDrainDryMT.com or contact the FWP fisheries office at 406-444-2440.
(via MT FWP)
