Page 29 - 2021 JAN/FEB Outdoor Oklahoma Magazine

owfishing — the taking of fish with Gaining in Popularity
a bow and arrow or a crossbow — is
among the fastest-growing types of Any online search quickly shows the passion and fervor
Bsportfishing in the United States. It that bowfishers have for their sport. Growth in archery

is much like archery hunting for game animals participation, including youth archery programs, has
except that the arrow is connected to a string, been accompanied by numerous technological advances,
and the string is connected to a retrieval mech- increasing sales of bowfishing equipment, and increases
anism similar to a typical fishing reel. in the number of tournaments.
In addition to bowfishing’s recreational benefits of
In Oklahoma and nearly all other places, being out on the water and interacting close-up with fish
bowfishers specifically target nongame fishes. and wildlife, archery is well known for providing relaxing
Examples from Oklahoma include nonnative and therapeutic benefits to its participants.
and invasive carps (common carp, Asian carps, Many bowfishing tournaments for all ages and skill levels
grass carp) and native species such as gars, take place in Oklahoma waters. The Youth World Bowfishing
buffalofishes, carpsuckers, and occasionally Championship held its 16th annual event on Fort Gibson Lake
paddlefish or flathead catfish. Bowfishing can in August 2020. High-profile tournaments for adults such as
the 2018 Bass Pro U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship
®
be practiced at all hours but is commonly prac- have been held on Oklahoma reservoirs, drawing competi-
ticed at night using boats equipped with lights. tors and spectators from throughout North America.

WilDliFeDePartmeNt.Com

Youths attending the Department’s Wildlife Expo have a chance to experience bowfishing.

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