Noxious weeds pose a serious economic and environmental threat to Montana. A "noxious weed" is any plant that state and federal authorities designate as a serious threat to agriculture, wildlife and native plant communities.

Noxious weeds and their seeds hitch rides with birds, big game animals, wool pants, horses, livestock, trains, the tires and undersides of automobiles and all-terrain vehicles, flowing water and the wind.

Reducing the spread of noxious weed infestations also protects the quality of Montana's wildlife habitat and the health of the state's fish and wildlife.

FWP encourages hunters and others to:

• learn to identify noxious weeds;
• check clothes, waders, pets and gear at the end of each trip to be sure they aren’t harboring stowaway weed seeds;
• avoid driving through or parking vehicles and trailers in areas infested with weeds;
• wash vehicles and trailers (especially the undercarriages) between outings;
• pull small infestations of noxious weeds that have not gone to seed and leave them in an undisturbed area with their roots exposed. If flowers or seeds are present, pull the plants, place them in a plastic bag, and pack them out for proper disposal;
• report large infestations to the landowners or to the county weed district.