Noxious weeds, like knapweed, leafy spurge and Canada thistle are spreading across the Montana landscape and hunters in the state need to be aware of these silent invaders, according the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ statewide noxious weed coordinator Adam Brooks. "These insidious plants are capable of out-competing most of our native vegetation, deplete crucial wildlife habitat, reduce the productivity of croplands and range lands, and increase erosion along our waterways," Brooks says."Hunters and other recreationists have an opportunity to help protect our lands if they are weed-aware while they’re afield." Brooks recommends that sportsmen: