5 Waterfowl Hunter AIS Prevention Steps

Just a few minutes of preventative action can protect our waters and hunting traditions for generations to come.

Before launching into and leaving a water body, hunters should do the following:

1. Inspect waders, boats, trailers, motors, and hunting equipment, including boots, blinds, and dogs.
2. Remove all plants, animals, and mud to the best of your ability.
3. Drain all water from decoys, boats, motors, livewells, and other hunting equipment.
4. Never move plants or live fish away from a waterbody.
5. A special consideration for waterfowl hunters is to remove all seed heads and roots when using vegetation for duck blinds. It is important to note that it is illegal to use phragmites in counties where the plant is listed as prohibited by NR40. In general, these counties include the western half of Wisconsin.

Tips for waterfowl hunters to prevent the spread of invasive species – River Alliance of WI – Aquatic Invasive Species (wisconsinrivers.org)