Montana -(Ammoland.com)- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is asking bow-fishermen to properly dispose of unwanted fish and related wastes.
It’s summertime, and lots of people are out recreating on area waters, including bow-fisherman who are pursuing paddlefish and non-game fish with bows and arrows.
Warm summer evenings, calm weather and the July 1st opener of the Dredge Cut archery paddlefish season brings in hundreds of bow fisherman that participate in this unique fishery. Bow-fishing is the only means by which paddlefish can be harvested (i.e. no snagging is allowed), and a valid “blue” paddlefish tag is required. The bow-and-arrow harvest season for paddlefish in the Fort Peck Dredge Cuts runs from July 1 to Aug. 31.
Archers also shoot carp and other non-game fish while pursuing paddlefish. FWP is encouraging bow fisherman to either take these fish home (they make great garden fertilizer) or dispose of fish in areas that will not create problems for other recreationists. Disposal for fish should include being in deep water, well away from boat ramps, docks and swimming areas, and popping the balloon-like air bladder and letting the discarded fish sink to the bottom.
“The most unfortunate scenario is when fish are disposed of and left to rot near boat ramps,” said Steve Dalbey, Montana, Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Region 6 Fisheries Program Manager. “Fish that are shot and still floating will eventually wash up on shore and potentially create a smelly mess that someone else has to deal with. Please try and dispose of your fish in an ethical manner.”
Dalbey said this is the busiest time of the year on our area waters, and there are all types of recreationists out enjoying the summer and the sun. In respect to all of these other users, bow-fishermen are asked to take the time to properly dispose of their harvested fish and related waste.