Since the horrific Gulf of Mexico oil disaster began, the talk about going green to help save the environment seems ramped to new heights. Outdoors enthusiasts have a vested interest in clean water and pristine wildlife habitat.
Going green is not the same thing as tree-hugging, and we can all improve our approach to the outdoors. Here are some simple suggestions that do not include trading in a pickup truck or SUV for a hybrid car:
Eat the fish and game that you harvest. Some hunters enjoy the hunt but don't like the taste of doves, ducks or venison. They should learn the fine art of game cooking or give the game to someone who appreciates it. Fresh fish from a clean waterway is high in food value and very tasty.
Plan your fishing day carefully. Even if your boat-towing vehicle is a gas-guzzler, it's more efficient than a boat. Driving farther to launch nearer your preferred fishing area just makes sense.
When hunting, make a concerted effort to pick up every spent shotgun shell or rifle cartridge. Some shells can be recycled.
Every boat should be equipped with a trash receptacle that has a secure lid or other closure method to keep trash from blowing out.
If you have the landowner's permission, shoot every wild hog you see. Wild pork is very good to eat and is much leaner than domestic pork. Wild hogs are extremely destructive and should be eliminated at every opportunity. [In North Carolina, a fall wild boar season is held in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain. In the state's other 94 counties, feral hogs are not considered to be wild boars, and hunting them is not regulated. Learn more at www.ncwildlife.org.]
Fishermen should be careful to properly dispose of monofilament or other fishing line. A piece of line left on the deck of the boat will surely blow into the water and could become a hazard for fish or wildlife, especially birds.
By inviting fishing buddies on an outing, you share expenses. Take turns with whose boat you use. It's less wear and tear on the boat and less fuel consumption because you've left one boat at home.
Plan vacations around hunting season. If your hunting lease is 200 miles from home, make one trip and stay all week instead of making three weekend trips and hunting for the same amount of time while using more fuel.
Fishermen should study photos of invasive aquatic species such as giant salvinia and zebra mussels so they can recognize the destructive pests and report sightings. Also, learn how to avoid aquatic hitchhikers on your boat or trailer to keep from spreading them to other waterways.
