Duck shooting season is almost here, and while hunters are lining up their sights, there's another target to keep an eye on - alligator weed.

Duck shooters are urged to check, clean, and dry their gear and equipment to help stop this invasive weed, particularly at Lake Whatumā in Central Hawke’s Bay.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Catchment Management Lead Biosecurity Matt Short says alligator weed is a serious threat to our biodiversity and our way of life - and it can easily spread during the hunting season.

“We’ve contained alligator weed to Lake Whatumā and we are working to actively remove this pest from our region. We don’t want it spreading any further. This weed spreads easily through fragments that break off a plant, move, and then regrow in a new location.”

“Our message to duck shooters is to check, clean, and dry any equipment or gear that’s been in contact with mud and water. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and following the check, clean, dry method is our best defence. It gives us the best chance to stop any potential spread in Hawke’s Bay.”

Check – Remove any plant matter from your gear and leave it at the site (the river or lake bank) or put it in the rubbish. Don't wash plant material down any drain.

Clean – Soak or scrub all items for at least one minute in a 10 percent detergent solution.

Dry – Ensure your gear is completely dry to touch, inside and out, then leave dry for at least another 48 hours before you use it.

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