74 Nebraskaland • August-September 2025
MIXED BAG
By Jerry Kane
As waterfowl season kicks off , the
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
reminds hunters to help prevent the
spread of damaging aquatic invasive
species.
Zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil,
curly-leaf pondweed, brittle naiad and
other aquatic invasive species can
"hitchhike" on hunting gear and be spread
by droplets of water or even tiny plant
fragments.
Aquatic invasive species cause
irreparable harm to aquatic ecosystems
and waterfowl habitat, severely impeding
hunting, fi shing and boating for future
generations.
Nebraska is one of the few states in the
Midwest left without widespread zebra
mussel invasions. The only water bodies
in the state that have established zebra
mussel populations are the Missouri River,
Lewis and Clark Lake/Lake Yankton,
Beaver Lake in Plattsmouth and Off utt Air
Force Base Lake.
Game and Parks' AIS staff have noted
an increase in invasive aquatic plants
across Nebraska. These plants likely are
being spread from one water body to the
next by some boaters, anglers and hunters
not taking suffi cient precautions against
the spread of these species. Hunters also
should avoid using invasive plants, such
as phragmites — an invasive, noxious
wetland plant often used as camoufl age
— in their hunting blinds.
"Nebraska is home for us and we
urgently need the public's help to keep
our waters invasive-free and stop these
critters in their tracks," said Kristopher
Stahr, Game and Parks' aquatic invasive species program
manager. "Take a few moments to Clean, Drain and Dry your
gear, and choose camoufl aging plants wisely for your blind to
help stop the spread of these aquatic invasive species."
Nebraskans hunting out-of-state should be especially
cautious to not spread invasive species into Nebraska waters.
Game and Parks regulations require anglers, hunters and
boaters conduct clean, drain and dry procedures before
leaving a water body. They are not allowed to arrive at a
water body with any water from another water body. Hunters
should remove any visible plants or mud from their gear and
then clean with high pressure or hot water. They also should
ensure all water is drained before leaving and to let gear dry
for at least fi ve days or wipe it dry before re-using.
CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY DURING
WATERFOWL SEASON
After waterfowl hunts, check decoys for invasive species just like you would a
boat. JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
