By DON DUBUC

There’s been lots of talk about war lately – and the world of Louisiana’s outdoors is no exception.

At this very moment a conglomeration of some of the state’s greatest minds are putting together a battle plan to wage all-out biological warfare against some pretty formidable invaders.

It’s called the Louisiana Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force and its mission – to eradicate or at least control non-indigenous plants and animals. In layman’s language these are alien critters that have migrated here and have taken a liking to our climate and habitat and became a nuisance.

Recognize any of these names: water hyacinth, fire ants, nutria, hydrilla, salvinia, or tallow trees?

We all know about the problems these and many other pests have caused to our waterways and native fish, wildlife and plants.

The group is made up of a number of agency representatives including the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Coast Guard and Tulane, Xavier and Louisiana State universities. The task force will develop plans similar to the nutria control program, which places a $4 per tail bounty in hopes of reducing the population of this marsh-destroying rodent by 400,000.

In addition to addressing the many non-native invaders already here and causing problems, the board will develop a plan to prevent new, invasive species from entering the state. South Louisiana is one the most vulnerable areas for non-indigenous species due to the number of foreign ships entering our waters and our easily adaptive, sub-tropical climate.

Black bear killer sentenced

U.S. Magistrate James Sumner ordered Eric Wade Mobley of Grace, Miss. to pay nearly $10,000 for killing a black bear a year ago at his hunting club.

The bear’s remains minus the head and paws were discovered on the hunting lease and after conducting a forensics investigation the trail led them to Mobley who confessed to the killing.

In addition to the fine, Mobley was also sentenced to perform 20 hours of community service with the Mississippi Hunter Education program and placed on a one-year worldwide hunting probation.

A Christmas gift idea

Even the sportsmen who has everything can never have enough ice chests.

One of the better buys is the Coleman Xtreme Cooler. Advanced technology keeps ice, food and beverages cold in an Xtreme cooler for up to five days in 90-degree heat. Good Housekeeping magazine determined in a test that Xtreme Coolers kept food at safe temperatures hours longer than any other cooler tested.

The lids are hinged with an extra-snug fit to minimize the escape of cold air and have cup holders for added convenience.

Families that are camping out for several days can rest easy that their food and drinks will remain cold and fresh. It’s also a great gift for hunters who are on weeklong trips in areas with no refrigeration to keep food and package their game.

Not to mention it will reduce your ice bill.

The Xtremes come in three sizes: a 36 qt and 58 qt chest retailing for $30 and $40 respectively and a 50 qt wheeled version for $50.

For more information and to locate a retailer visit www.coleman.com or call 800-835-3278.

DON DUBUC is the outdoors reporter for L’Observateur.