Montana Duck Hunters Warned About Bird Flu Risk

It’s that time of year again. The birds from the Great White North are on the move south, and I hear that duck call in my sleep. If you have never seen snow geese flare at sunrise, it’s something you can’t go without seeing. But this year, there’s a bit of extra baggage flying along.

The avian flu is once again on the radar. It’s appearing in wild ducks, geese, gulls and other waterfowl across the country. “Rest stop” is an excellent word for Montana because, although we have waterfowl seasons later than the rest of the country. Montana might as well be just a place all these birds go through between here and the dirty south.

What’s Happening with Avian Flu

The recent surge in avian flu findings has been connected with the migration season. Here’s the tricky part. Many of these birds appear perfectly healthy. No limp, no strange flight pattern, nothing that shouts “I’m sick.” They can still transmit the virus.

That means the duck or goose you’ve dropped in the field may be harboring something invisible. It’s not a reason to panic and bury yourself in a bubble. The risk to humans is low but not zero.

Montana Hunters Takeaway

If you’re out hunting this fall, handle every bird as though it might be infected. Avoid anything that’s acting strangely or is already dead. If it’s not flying right or looks wrong, don’t touch it.

When you process your birds, wear gloves. Wash your hands. Don’t eat snacks and drink beer while elbow-deep in feathers. Oh, and your dog, yeah. A retriever that picks up a sick bird can bring in more than a goose to the blind.

The good news is that a properly cooked duck breast is still safe to eat. Just cook it fully.

How I’m doing it in Freezeout

I still have plans to take that trip to Freezeout. I am not being kept out of the hunt by any virus. But this year I’m playing it a bit smarter. Gloves are in the blind, maybe sanitizer’s hanging off the bag, and I keep all my cleaning stuff separated.

Bottom line

Montana duck hunting is a fall pastime. The bird flu doesn’t alter that. It simply requires smart hunting, clean gear, and not licking your fingers between plucks.