It was a success
 

Well as a few of you know Horsheshoe lake in Madison county is where I do most of my bowfishing. It is so close to my house and loaded with carp, gar and buffs its a great lake to go to. The bad part is its only open May 1st - August 31st to bowfishers. Well I set out at the end of last year to change that. I went to the Marine Bio of the lake and asked what could be done to get the ball rolling.

After asking him and talking to a few people for additional information I contacted Christine to ask if I could use the Illinois Bowfishers logo along side with my own websites logo. I sent her a copy of the letter I submitted just so she knew what was being sent out. Christine gave me the ok and I completed the letter to the Marine bio (Fred Cronan) and delivered it to him. I was told it would take some time to get put through but if there was no opposition the lake would then be opened up for bowfishing year round (with the exception of duckseason). I went to his office today to talk with him about opening up Frank Holten lake aswell. Well in that conversation he informed me that as of April 1st of 2010 Horseshoe Lake will be open year round for bowfishing.

I just wanted to get the story out there for anyone who bowfishes Horseshoe or would like to in the future.I am hoping to get the same done with Frank Holten. Frank Holten is about the same as Horseshoe fish wise.... Lots of Buffalo and Carp.

RE: It was a success
 

Good Job!!!! Don't stop there!

RE: It was a success
 

Way to go Kyle!

Is he going to put in a distance restriction? Unfortunately many of the Bowfishing lakes have a 200 yard restriction. We need to try and change this.

RE: It was a success
 

Nice going. Good jOB. Just like Carlyle dam they have to put it off for a year. But it is a start. We got to get these people educated and on our side...

RE: It was a success
 

Kyle,
I'm so very proud of you for that "can do" effort. Excellent work. Now why don't you age just a little and run for the Illinois Congress as we could use some of that same effectiveness there.

RE: It was a success
 

LOL we certainly do need some new reps in DC. But im not sure im the right man for that. Im to honest. I would never get elected. I dont think horseshoe has a 200yd rule. Horseshoe lake dnr workers are pretty relaxed about the rules as long as you dont poach and piss people off. I know 2 years ago when I started bowfishing we were going to horseshoe in april before the season......... we had no idea there even was a season restriction but anyhow they were telling us where to go to shoot the fish. The did not care. Im sure it would have been different had we seen a green truck with cherrys on the top though. They normally dont play around.

RE: It was a success
 

As well they shouldn't. ;)

You're right about the laid back part though. Most all the folks I've had the pleasure to work with have been so helpful it's great.