The illegal taking of sportfish by bowfishermen has been going on as long as there have been bowfishermen. Period. Not all--not even most, but it does happen. To ignore it and it's affects are sticking ones head in the sand. Does it have a huge effect on populations? Probably not but illegal is illegal.

We're not talking about a few bowfishermen throwing some carp on the bank. We're talking about hundreds of pounds of carp, buffalo, gar. etc lined up on public boat ramps, pictures taken, then they drive off to let somebody else take care of their mess. Many of those doing this are being policed by their own ranks. F&W is working hard to stop it also.

Maybe I missed something here about nets and crankbaits?? I've never said a word about netters and commercial fishermen taking gazillions of pounds of carp nor have I seen anything here about folks getting cranks hung in the nets. Every carp taken and killed is one good carp. I've always taken the stand that commercial fishermen have as much right to the lake and to run nets/trotlines as I have to drop a jig or crank over the side of the boat.There is absolutely no bigger supporter of commercial fishermen than I am.