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View Full Version : Re-Instatement of Bowfishing for Game Species


russ
08-12-2009, 10:07 AM
Suggestion:

On some bodies of water the length limit has been removed for game fish (ie. Pike)

Brief:

In the mid 90's when it became clear that a new management regime was required for game fish in Alberta. As a result Fish & Wildlife introduced length limits on fish and removed bowfishing opportunities since there was no way to measure a fish before harvesting it with archery tackle.

Summary:

As the fishing has evolved in Alberta, it has now become clear that length limits are impractical in some bodies of waters. I would like to propose, that in these cases that bow fishing of the game species that have no length limit be permitted to resume.

Let's open this up for discussion.

acearchery
08-12-2009, 06:56 PM
I am all in favour... when the reason for the closure is gone... why have the closure....

(Bowfishing is hard to play catch and release)

russ
08-12-2009, 10:32 PM
very true about the catch & release, but if the management goal is reduce one species so that another may thrive (ie. pike & stocked trout) then any & all reasonable measure should be taken. Including reinstatement of pre-existing seasons.

va6yag
09-17-2009, 01:43 PM
:stop_nono

Hmmm...I don't know if it's a good idea to reinstate bowfishing.....like ace said, "Bowfishing is hard to play catch and release"...

Gotta think about that one...

Also, Russ- "if the management goal is reduce one species so that another may thrive (ie. pike & stocked trout) then any & all reasonable measure should be taken"...I'm not sure that bowfishing is a "reasonable measure"...hey, don't get me wrong...I like fishing (forget the catch and release...I catch it...I cook it- simple!) just as much as the next guy- and I'm not some tree-hugger, either.....I just think that maybe bowfishing isn't the answer....I don't know what the answer is, tho.....


Just my two cents worth...

Pete.

Jonny O
04-23-2010, 11:26 AM
If on that particular body of water there is no size limet and you are able to harvest a certain limet of fish, what difference does it make if you hook the fish and bonk it on the head or if you shoot it? Sure you can't let it go after you shoot it, but you are making the decision to harvest that fish before you shoot at it. I am all for re-instatement of bowfishing on any body of water where there is no size restrictions.

Just my thoughts,

Jonny