Bows are legal for taking non-game fishes such as gar, buffalo, mullet and sheepshead. A bow may be used to take any species of fish that is:. No minimum lengths or daily bag limits apply to non-game fishes in fresh water, except :. Limits exist on some non-game fishes in salt water. See saltwater limits. Any fish that is edible or can be used for bait includes all gar species, common carp and buffalo may not be released back into the water after being taken with lawful archery equipment.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulations permit bow fishing in Texas coastal waters and in most rivers and large lakes. However, this method is not allowed in:. Other government entities may have rules that apply to bow fishing on properties that they own or manage. The other thing is that even outside of city limits, where you can bowfish can differ from region to region or even lake to lake. For that reason, you have to know your area before you go bowfishing there. You might call up the local DNR to get the most up-to-date information on the subject.
You have to check this carefully. One of the things about this realm of law is that it tends to be less known than some of the other areas. Even the DNR can get things about bowfishing wrong. For that reason, you should keep your rulebook close at hand. The other thing that you find is that different DNR officials will tell you different things. For example, one CO might tell you how the city limits end at the water. For that reason, they tell you to go ahead, but you still might want to exercise caution.
What you get told could even differ from one officer to the next. One officer might have no problem with you discharging a bow at the fish. It only takes one, however, to say that you were discharging a firearm within city limits.
I can find plenty of good bowfishing spots without the need to fish within city limits where I might get fined because the DNR had a bad day. In some places, they might say that because you have a reel on your bow, they consider it fishing equipment. It depends on the laws within that city. If you do decide to do it, check with your local city ordinances to ensure that you remain protected by the law.
You have to check your local ordinances. Suckers, buffalo, stingrays, and flounder are just a few of the better eating fish you can target with a bow. Paddlefish are well known for their eggs that rival the caviar from sturgeon. We should all try to be good stewards of our amazing fisheries but the reality is we may harvest more fish than we can handle on occasion. That is especially true with common carp where there typically is no limit. Here are a few rules of thumb to lawfully handle an over abundance of fish.
Bowfishing is yet another way to legally enjoy what our fisheries have to offer. Once you are familiar with the rules of your state, I encourage you to get out there and give it a try.
Whether you are looking for a fun way to put meat on the table or an opportunity to help reduce invasive species, bowfishing may turn out to be your new favorite hobby. As avid anglers, Joshua and Kendle spend their days exploring the waters of the Pacific Northwest and aim to teach others the joy of fishing. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Legal Bowfishing by State State Is it legal to bowfish for game fish?
Is it legal to bowfish for non-game fish? Same limits apply. Prohibited in trophy bass waters or special trout areas. Do you need a license for bowfishing Like most outdoor recreation, a license or permit is probably required to bowfish where you live. What type of fish can you bowfish for Each state defines what type of fish is legal to shoot with a bow a little differently.
Freshwater species Most of us live within a short distance of a lake or river that holds abundant rough fish species. Common Carp Buffalo Aligator Gar Freshwater Drum Bowfin Paddlefish Catfish Suckers Saltwater species The challenge of shooting carp provides plenty of action for most but for those of you who seek more thrilling adventure, saltwater quarry may be the ticket.
Do not discard unused fish in public trash cans or along public shorelines for others to deal with. No one likes the overpowering odors or mess associated with decaying fish.
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