Need help in IL.

[csgrizz]

posting on several forums for help with this:

Hey guys/gals. There is a local lake near my home that is plum loaded with carp.

I have spoken to the local CPO who verified it would be legal to bowfish, however, it is inside city limits.

We have a city ordinance that says we cannot discharge a bow inside city limits ($150.00 fine).

I have spoken to the city clerk and he told me that if I drew up a proposal to change the ordinance he would support it.

I am sure I will only have one oppurtunity at this, so I want to do my best to make it hard for them to say no.

Anyone have such language from another area? Also any suggestions on what to include in my proposal for the city council/board?

please help,

Thanks,

CS

[HNI_Christine]

Hi Corey,

I still haven't found much. It seems that most municipal lakes that allow bowfishing either don't have a prohibition against discharging a bow or they simply don't bother with an exception.

This is from the Army Corps of Engineers. It could be applied to municipal codes.

a) The possession of loaded firearms, ammunition, loaded projectile
firing devices, bows and arrows, crossbows, or other weapons is
prohibited unless:
(1) In the possession of a Federal, state or local law enforcement
officer;
(2) Being used for hunting or fishing as permitted under Sec. 327.8,
with devices being unloaded when transported to, from or between hunting and fishing sites;
(3) Being used at authorized shooting ranges; or
(4) Written permission has been received from the District Commander.
b) Possession of explosives or explosive devices of any kind,
including fireworks or other pyrotechnics, is prohibited unless written
permission has been received from the District Commander.

[This is section 327.8]
Sec. 327.8 Hunting, fishing, and trapping.

(a) Hunting is permitted except in areas and during periods where
prohibited by the District Commander.
(b) Trapping is permitted except in areas and during periods where
prohibited by the District Commander.
(c) Fishing is permitted except in swimming areas, on boat ramps or other areas designated by the District Commander.
(d) Additional restrictions pertaining to these activities may be
established by the District Commander.
(e) All applicable Federal, State and local laws regulating these
activities apply on project lands and waters, and shall be regulated by
authorized enforcement officials as prescribed in Sec. 327.26.

[Bulzeye]

I wish you good luck cs.

I think there are many municipalities that may be open to the idea of making bowfishing legal even though they currently have an ordinance against discharging a bow.It may simply bea matter of proposing it in a way that makes it clear that it is not a danger to anyone. It's great that you already have one person's backing.

Mention that bowfishing IS aLEGAL means to take fish according to the DNR and wildlife code.

Mention that the County allows it.

Mention that there is a perfect bowfishing safety record in IL.

Explain that bowfishing arrows are very heavy and won't fly far, that they are tethered to the bow by a short line, and are only shot downward into the water.

Explain that bowfishing bows are not pre-cocked, and cannot shoot by accident.

Once they understand the basics of how bowfishing differs from target archery and hunting, they will have very little basis to deny your request.

Again, good luck.
-Bulz