IL Get-together Pics

HNI_Christine · 07-25-2004, 08:10 AM

We had our first 'shoot' on Sat. July 24th. We had three boats and 9 shooters who chased gar, buffalo and carp on the Kankakee River.

I was a bit lazy in my picture taking, completely missing any photos of Carpsniper's pontoon boat and the four shooters aboard. Carpsniper and Bowfisher Dave were out before sun-up and bowfished using lights powered by a generator. I believe they landed 22 fish, but I can't prove it.

Due to their early start, they also left early....hence no pics. Sorry!

HNIJeremy, Jim and I arrived down at the Des Plaines Conservation Area around 6:15am. We motored up to the bay the others were in and it wasn't long before we were seeing fish. We gave Jeremy (who was new at bowfishing) a quick run-down of the how-to's and he took to it like a bowfisher to water. (heh)

The weather was not ideal (a bit breezy, cloudy and cool) but we did get plenty of shot opportunities.

Jeremy on the deck.

He shoots..... he scores!! (he gets slimed too)

HNI_Christine · 07-25-2004, 08:21 AM

This is the area the fish were hanging out in. Bring a push-pole. We not only had a push-pole but a designated 'push-poler'. Thanks Jim.

The fish could be seen in the small open areas between stands of the American lotus in the very shallow areas. We got most of our shots in water that was 12-18" deep.

HNI_Christine · 07-25-2004, 08:36 AM

Around noon we headed back to the launch area for some lunch.

Since the pontoon boat guys had already left, we were forced to eat a pile of food. [8D]

Bulzeye, E.J.D., Jim, Jeremy

Ask Ed about his grill.

Carpmaster · 07-25-2004, 08:39 AM

how far were you guys from I80? looks like you had a good time!

HNI_Christine · 07-25-2004, 08:48 AM

Here we are trying to look like real bowfishers. See that little yellow carp on the right? It takes real skill to hit a target that small. hee hee hee...

E.J.D, HNIJeremy, Me, Bulzeye

Jeremy with 'Carp Control'. Jeremy is happy because that ancient motor held up and he didn't have to row us back up the river.

HNI_Christine · 07-25-2004, 08:51 AM

Fish fear us.

(or so we like to think)

HNI_Christine · 07-25-2004, 09:04 AM

Carpmaster,

The launch is right off of I-55 just 8-10 miles south of I-80 .

deerhuntress56 · 07-25-2004, 11:07 AM

Gosh, congrats to all of ya!!! Looks like ya had a ball!! I wanted to come but had an "event" come up here....[:@] always something...LOL

Maybe next time!!!!

Jeremy, I fully expected to see a HuntingNet shirt on you!!!

E.J.D. · 07-25-2004, 01:59 PM

On clearance at target......$24.95!!!

Chessbum · 07-25-2004, 09:37 PM

Looks like a great time was had from the pix. Would love to have made the trip from over here in south east Michigan but with the GLLI comming up and a fall Maine bear hunt for two to pay for I couldn't afford it. I am really enjoying lurking this site and love seeing those pictures.
John