IDNR Bowfishing record program

[HNI_Christine]

Okay, after dozens of emails and several phone calls with various IDNR staff, this thing is finally close to being ready to go. It's still not fully in force but close enough that I have been given the okay to share this with you all.

There will be a webpage about this on the ifishillinois.org site. Hopefully, around the 1st of April

Illinois State Record Fish Program rules:

http://www.illinoisbowfishers.com/staterecordrules.html

[Please note that these are rules a project in work at this point.]

Currently, they have these minimum weights in place:



I've asked that the minimum weight for bowfin be dropped and they agreed to do that.

If you have any input, please let me know.

Now, go out there and shoot a new record. Be sure to take several good pictures, including ones of the fish's head on the gar species.

Of course, the Illinois Bowfishers will still keep records for our club members.

[Johnny b]

Christine, Just what constitutes a certified scale? I am assuming that there has to be two separate witnesses. What about the times you go out by your self or just one person.Like you and kendall going out. That is suspect in it's self.

[robow7]

will any existing records be carried over?

[HNI_Christine]

Johnny, you need to hunt down an actual state registered 'certified' scale. (easier said than done)

Robster,
No, all IDNR records start this year.

[Johnny b]

It would probably be wise to do just that. Would be a little late to shoot a fish and then have to drive all over to get it weighed. Im thinking not too many places with certified scales would be happy to weigh in a wet stinking fish for someone.

[robow7]

Originally Posted by Johnny b

It would probably be wise to do just that. Would be a little late to shoot a fish and then have to drive all over to get it weighed. Im thinking not too many places with certified scales would be happy to weigh in a wet stinking fish for someone.

And for that reason, I doubt this will be successful in getting many fish registered. Trying to get an official out there for verification, ha I'm sure my wife would like to see a 50 lb Bighead in my upright freezer

[HNI_Christine]

Rob, you can take the fish to a IDNR district fisheries biologist, have him/her sign off on it and then you can eat the fish, feed it to the cat... but you won't have to keep it around once you get that signature.

We will also get the club scale certified.

[HNI_Christine]

The state webpage is now live. http://www.ifishillinois.org/gofish/bow_fishing.html

Cliff and Drew beat out Snuffy and Dave R. in having their pictures on the page.

[robow7]

I do know one fisheries biologist that lives in Urbana,

"He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him!"

Name that classic : )