bowfishing rules?

[aussieman8]

Are there any rules i have to follow when i go bowfishing and can i do it anywhere anytime?

[Mike Vines]

Probably dependant on your states regulations.  Here in Michigan, we qaren't allowed in trout streams for obvious reasons, and there are other limitations too.

[Mike Vines]

Man my spell check just never seems to work.  LOL

[LoweBow]

Same here in KY.  I've bowfished all over the US and all states are diff.  
KY has the same "trout stream" rule.....which I stood in front of the KDFWR Commission and questioned as if trout are not legal to shoot...what's the big deal.  No game fish are legal to shoot so what makes them so special?  Opening trout waters to bowfishing for carp, suckers, and other rough fish only opens more "opportunity" for outdoor sports IMO.

[VTer]

NY is pretty restrictive on bowfishing. You better check the laws.

[Stone Knife]

In NY you can only shoot common carp, you can't shoot rudds the ones that look like big gold fish. As long as you have a fishing lic. or can fish without a lic. you can shoot carp with a bow, you need to follow all the rules about discharging a bow near occupied dwellings. Season runs from May 15th to sept? you'll have to look that one up.

[Stone Knife]

What part of the state are you from?

[ChuckC]

find and read the rules.  There are likely rules in place.  

Some hidden tricky rules can be. .some areas around cities and towns have their own "no discharge of gun or bow" laws.  These are typically not in the DNR regulations.  

ChuckC

[Mudd]

It may just be an unwritten rule but if your using a a reel to bowfish... always, always, everytime... push the line release button, if its an open face reel, open the bail.          

I doubt anyone will have to remind you more than once it you fail to follow this rule.

I don't remember how I learned it...lol

God bless,Mudd

[Chris Shelton]

here in MD the law is kinda weird.  We are not allowed to bowfish community ponds or lakes, no put and take trout areas . . . no game fish, i.e bass, pike, trout.  

I say it is weird because what is considered a community pond or lake?  Plus that and they stock some ponds that are great bowfishing spots!!!! :( ((((  So that doesnt fly with me!

[aussieman8]

I live in the Albany area.

[Flingblade]

Here in Michigan the bowfishing regulations are included in the general fishing regulations brochure.  You will probably find them there as well in New York.

[bmb]

we're lucky in alabama. we can shoot everything from grass carp, all gar species, common carp, suckers, catfish, and buffalo

[Ragnarok Forge]

only common carp can be shot in WA no other rules and no limits