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The commission finally voted against the proposal to allow bowfishing for catfish. It has been a long and exhausting fight but our position held firm. I need some time to rest before we start keeping watch to ensure no similar threats arise in the future.

April 28, 2006

Say No To Bowfishing for catfish in Texas

Say No To Bowfishing for catfish in Texas

🏆 Won — 136 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Robert B.
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Aaron F.
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Zachary R.
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Wayne M.
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russell w.
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+126 more
Started by Anonymous 20 years, 5 months ago
We the people of Texas are strongly opposed to the proposed rule change by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to allow bowfishing for catfish. We strongly encourage the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to VOTE NO TO BOWFISHING FOR CATFISH. It is our belief as the angling community that allowing an additional non traditional means to harvest catfish with no chance of live release is a step in the wrong direction. Other game fish like bass, crappie and striped bass are not being considered for allowed bowfishing and neither should the catfish. Texas has long been a progressive state in regards to fish and game management and allowing the harvest of catfish or any game fish by means of bow fishing is a step in the wrong direction. The catfish is the second most popular game fish in the state as far as angler popularity and the state needs to be working on progressive management techniques of the species. Texas Biologists have admitted that they have no accurate means of sampling catfish populations and there is not accurate data to support that the populations exist to support adding additional means to harvest fish. We have gone to great efforts to promote live release of catfish over 10 lbs over the last few years, as these large genetically superior fish are the ones that keep lakes populated, and are also the fish that will be targeted by bowfishermen should a rule change be allowed, which will have effects on fish populations. PLEASE VOTE NO TO BOWFISHING FOR CATFISH IN TEXAS.

Updates

February 17, 2006

Reaching this point has been an exhausting grind but seeing this level of momentum proves we are not fighting alone. I am tired but the scale of this reaction keeps me moving toward the commission meeting.

Reached 100 supporters

February 17, 2006

6 Comments

K
Kevin Diallo
20 years ago Featured

We worked so hard to protect the big breeders and now this? Terrible management decision.

M
Mike Morgan
20 years ago Featured

Ridiculous idea. Catfish are game fish just like bass and should be treated that way. Leave them alone.

D
David Lowe
20 years ago Featured

Been fishing Texas waters my whole life and never heard of something so backwards. Keep the bowfishing out of it.

J
Jason Gordon
20 years ago Featured

BIG NO. You cant release a fish shot with an arrow. This is gonna ruin the population for everyone else.

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Linda Norton
20 years ago Featured

STOP TRYING TO RUIN OUR LAKES. bowfishing for catfish is just wrong.

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Sarah Mwangi
20 years ago Featured

Why would they even consider this? Catfish are for rod and reel fishing only. This is just senseless killing.

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