Bowfishing for Northern Pike: the DOW and COBF
In 2010 the Colorado Department of Wildlife drafted an internal issue paper regarding adding Northern Pike as an additional harvestable species with archery equipment. This new regulation went into effect in 2011 and permits the take of Pike with archery equipment at lakes where permitted. As a result of this DOW initiated change, bowfishermen can now choose to legally bowfish for Pike or not bowfish for Pike; free from harassment. It is legal where permitted and it is each individual’s responsibility to be informed of this new law as this regulation can vary across lakes; hence we ask that bowfishermen check with lake officials before attempting to harvest this species.
This regulation now opens up some great table fare for bowfishermen across our state and despite a lot of the controversy and fears around this issue; it is unlikely that bowfishermen will pursue this species aggressively or attempt to harvest similar numbers when in comparison to the bowfisherman’s primary pursuit in Colorado: the Carp.
For those passionate about this issue, it is important to note that the COBF itself had nothing to do with requesting, initiating, drafting or lobbying for this regulations change. Like many other, the COBF was surprised itself to hear about the DOW’s move on this issue. Especially after the DOW mistakenly listed the COBF as an interested party in it’s internally authored 2010 issue paper, which has been subsequently corrected by the DOW in 2011. You can read the COBF’s original letter to the DOW followed by the DOW’s response below. (PDF format).
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