are beavers leagal game when bow fishing?

We just recently had this debate in another thread: http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=165359

Make sure you check with your state regulations before doing anything.

The other thread is gone now, but I'm curious about this now.

It had never occured to me to think about taking any animal other than fish with bowfishing gear. In fact, I've never hunted beaver at all, at least not for the purposes of this discussion anyway.

Taking a peek in the IL regs, it appears that beaver is only mentioned in the trapping section, and there are definite season dates for them. Can they ever be hunted with a bow in IL, or are they only available for trapping?

thats what i was wondering because it doesnt specify in the magazine

Muskrats, mink, beavers, weaseland badgers may only be taken by trapping methods in Illinois. No hunting is allowed.
This applies to any type of weapon.

Yeah it varies...check your state law book.

Personally, the last thing I want stuck to the end of my bowfishing arrow is a mad beaver...