Petition Against Bowfishing Lake Fork: Bowfishing Rant!

If you've found this page, I'd like you all to visit and sign this petition to establish slot limits on the size of fish that a bowfisherman can take from Lake Fork. Lake Fork is the home of the Wild Carp Companies Texas 44, an endurance fishing tournament that promotes carp and smallmouth buffalo as sport fish. Entry fees this past year were $600 per team and the tournament sold out. Additionally, almost all anglers came in ahead of time and rented cabins, hotels, ate at restaurants, bought ice and snacks at gas stations, etc.

Not to mention I am staunchly against bowfishing as a sport except where true population control is deemed necessary by the state. The only species I can think of in this case would be the invasive Asian silver carp. To me, the senseless killing of any species of fish, whether it is classified as a "game" fish or a "rough" fish is inhumane and cruel. Texas law states you may not leave fish that can be used for bait or eaten on the bank, but does not provide a provision that these fish must be used for these purposes. In addition to being dumped at boat ramps, hundreds of fish are simply brought home and thrown in the woods, etc. It's a complete waste of our natural resources, and a waste of life. The argument is population control, but without scientific study this argument does not have any merit.

Again, if you feel the same way I do and want to start helping carp and buffalo gain the reputation they deserve as sport fish, please sign this petition