9-6 FB Hunters and Weeds
“Hay used for pack animals can also make its way via animal waste to create new infestations. Even dogs used in upland bird hunting can accidentally get noxious weed seeds lodged in their fur, which are then carried to new areas,” says Roger Batt, head of the Idaho Weed Awareness campaign. The best way to control noxious weeds is by stopping them from spreading. Weed experts offer some tips for hunters and recreationalists to follow when they’re in Idaho’s backcountry to make sure they’re not spreading noxious and invasive weeds. Drive ATVs and vehicles only on designated roads and trails away from weed infested areas. Make sure to carefully clean ATVs, vehicles and trailers before taking them to a new area. Noxious weeds can become lodged on ATVs and vehicles and then be carried from one area to another. Even a few seeds can start a new noxious weed outbreak.
Remove weed seeds from pack animals, dogs, hiking boots and other gear. Carry only certified weed-free hay for pack animals. This can be purchased by logging onto www.idahoweedawareness.com to find out who your local certified weed free forage & straw growers are. “As a fellow hunter and recreationalist, I know these steps are some pretty simple ways in which Idaho hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can help stop the spread of unwanted invasive noxious weeds,” Batt said. Officials have already identified more than 57 different kinds of noxious weeds in Idaho, including many infestations in wilderness and backcountry areas. These weeds choke out native vegetation which deprives deer, elk and other big game wildlife of their natural food sources resulting in starvation or migration to other areas. Batt also recommends that hunters and outdoor recreationalists get a copy of a special free Idaho Noxious Weed Guidebook to take with them that can help them pinpoint and identify the different noxious weeds in their favorite hunting or recreating area. The detail- packed book has color photos of noxious weeds, plus detailed information about how to identify the different species of noxious weeds.
