Waterfowl hunters can help protect Texas lakes and hunting areas by cleaning, draining and drying boats and gear before moving between water bodies, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says.
Invasive plants and mussels can damage waterfowl habitat, block access to hunting areas and harm water infrastructure. They can hitch a ride not only on boats and trailers, but also on waders, decoys, decoy bags and marsh sleds. Water left in boats or decoys can carry tiny zebra mussel larvae.
TPWD recommends cleaning equipment whenever hunters leave a water body, even if it is not known to have invasive species.
Check boats, trailers and gear
Inspect boats, trailers and tow vehicles for plants and mud, including around lights, license plates and the supports beneath boats. TPWD recommends using a wet/dry vacuum to remove plant material before rinsing, since a hose can push fragments into hard-to-reach spaces.
Remove plants, mud and organisms from waders and decoys by hand, then rinse them with a hose. Use a stiff brush to clean boot treads. Drain water from decoys, and consider adding drain holes to older or cracked decoys that tend to hold water or plant fragments.
TPWD has a video showing how to clean, drain and dry hunting gear.
Invasive species threaten habitat and access
Giant salvinia, a floating aquatic fern, can double its coverage area in a week and form thick mats across the water. A single fragment moved to another lake can start an infestation. The plant can block access to hunting areas and crowd out native plants that provide food and habitat for waterfowl, said Jessica Metz, a TPWD aquatic habitat enhancement biologist.
As of its Oct. 29 release, TPWD reported giant salvinia in 30 East Texas lakes, along with rivers, creeks and marshes, mainly between Houston and Beaumont. Other invasive plants that can degrade waterfowl habitat are found in lakes across the state.
Zebra mussels have been reported in 40 Texas lakes across eight river basins and in river stretches below infested lakes. The nonnative shellfish attach to hard surfaces, compete with native species for food, damage boats and water infrastructure, and leave sharp shells along shorelines.
Zebra and quagga mussels can spread on boats, anchors, plants and equipment, including boot and wader treads. Their larvae are too small to see and can travel in leftover water. Once established in a lake, zebra mussels are difficult or impossible to control or eradicate, TPWD says.
Know the rules and report sightings
Transporting prohibited aquatic invasive species in Texas is illegal and can bring a fine of up to $500 per violation. Before leaving or approaching fresh water, boaters must drain all water from boats and onboard receptacles, including bait buckets. Invasive plants must be removed from boats, trailers, transport or launch vehicles, and equipment before leaving a lake.
Report invasive species being moved on boats, trailers or equipment to TPWD at 512-389-4848. Photos and location details about suspected new infestations can be emailed to [email protected]. More information is available on TPWD’s aquatic invasive species prevention page.
