09/25/2025
Hello hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. I am Denise Newman from Musselshell/Golden Valley W**d District, and I want to take a moment and remind you that at this time of year, you can unknowingly spread massive amounts of noxious w**d seeds from one area to another. Noxious w**ds can choke out native vegetation, depriving deer, elk, big horn sheep, and other wildlife of their natural food sources, which can result in starvation or migration to other areas. Some invasive w**ds, like cheatgrass, can fuel larger and more frequent wildfires. Just a few seeds are enough to cause a noxious w**d infestation.
Noxious w**ds and seeds can easily become lodged in ATVs, off–road vehicles, and trailers that have been used in the summer and carried to a new location when the rigs are used during hunting season. Pack animals, bird dogs, and even hunting gear can carry noxious w**ds to other areas, starting a new infestation of these invasive plants. As hunters and outdoor recreationalists, it's up to us to prevent this. We need to keep our pickups, ATVs, and off-road vehicles on designated roads and trails, and away from areas infested with w**ds. We should also inspect and remove any w**ds from ATVs, vehicles, trailers, pack animals, hunting dogs, and hunting and camping gear before relocating them to a new area. Noxious w**d seeds can be spread in the waste droppings of horses and pack animals, so it's important to use feed certified as noxious w**d-free for horses and pack animals.
You play a critical role in preventing the spread of noxious w**ds. Here are key actions to take:
• Clean gear and clothing: Before and after your trip, clean all boots, socks, and other clothing to remove any seeds or plant parts. Pay special attention to boot treads and pant cuffs.
• Wash vehicles and ATVs: Wash the undercarriage, tires, and wheel wells of your vehicle and any ATVs to remove caked-on mud and w**d seeds. More seeds are dispersed from vehicles when conditions are wet, and longer wash times are more effective.
• Use certified w**d-free forage: If you use pack animals, feed them certified noxious w**d seed-free forage for at least 72 hours (three days) before entering public lands
• Clean pack animals: Brush your horses or mules thoroughly and clean their hooves to remove any seeds.
• Stay on established trails: Driving or hiking off-trail can cause soil disturbance that creates an ideal environment for noxious w**ds to grow.
• Report infestations: If you see a new w**d infestation, report it to the local land manager or the Montana Department of Agriculture to help with early eradication efforts.
If you're headed for the back country, you can obtain a free copy of Montana’s Noxious W**d Book, available at your local extension office or w**d district office, to help pinpoint and identify the different noxious w**ds in your favorite hunting, recreating, or block management areas. The book features color photos of noxious w**ds, along with detailed information on how to identify the various species.
Happy hunting, hiking, boating or just out enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
