TPWD has proposed new rule changes that affect the size and method of how Alligator Gar can be harvested. These rule changes, if put into law, would include a maximum size limit of four feet in length for Alligator Gar from the Trinity River between the I-30 Bridge in Dallas County to the I-10 Bridge in Chambers County. Additionally, bowfishing would be limited to only daylight hours statewide.

Please sign this petition to show your support for these amazing fish. Protecting them ensures that future generations will be able to see and catch these magnificent creatures!

Stand with Texas to Protect the Alligator Gar from Overharvest!

Full text below:
Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) is concerned about potential overharvest of the Alligator Gar(Atractosteus spatula). Recent scientific research suggests that the species� stronghold could be threatened if stronger harvest regulations are not established to protect Alligator Gar populations.

TPWD has proposed new rule changes that affect the size and method of how Alligator Gar can be harvested. These rule changes, if put into law, would include a maximum size limit of four feet in length for Alligator Gar from the Trinity River between the I-30 Bridge in Dallas County to the I-10 Bridge in Chambers County. Additionally, bowfishing would be limited to only daylight hours statewide.

Current Texas law allows the harvest of one Alligator Gar per day per person. Based on scientific data, feedback from a recent survey conducted by TPWD, and the growing popularity of the bowfishing sport,the Texas trophy fishery for Alligator Gar may be at risk.

Please sign the petition and show your support to help protect Texas Alligator Gar for future generations; we also appreciate your sharing this petition to garner additional support!

Which side would you like to be remembered for supporting? You can't catch and release a dead fish. Inaction could potentially mean the eventual destruction of this wonderful species.

I like how this is one sided. I'm sure all those gut hooked gar make it just fine.

Of course it's one sided, I don't see how anyone can attempt to take the high ground when the entire goal of bowfishing is to kill the fish. Gut hooking is a disingenuous term to use as well, people who let the fish chew the bait are aiming for the softer flesh just behind the beak of the fish. I, as well as many others I know set the hook immediately and find that the hookup ratio is quite similar.

How many trophy sized alligator gar have you caught TX multi?

If it's the number I'm betting it is you are setting the hook too early....

None that would be considered trophy sized but I've caught a fair amount, it's hard to convince myself to fish for anything but carp since they're so addicting.

Are we saving alligator gar or needle nosed gar, I see more needle nosed in the pics above.

This one is focused on the Alligator Gar, while there may be lots of longnose in the photos there are some alligators scattered throughout, pics are meant to show the wasteful attitude taken towards these amazing fish. IMO it should disgust someone to see any fish go to waste, regardless of species.

Much needed-gator gar breed slowly, and take a while to mature. Catch and release is where it�s at.

There is no current data to prove that the Alligator gar is on the decline. The last survey was performed in 2011, that survey concluded that the population was healthy enough to sustain itself and continue to grow, as long as harvest rates did not exceed 5%, they were 2-4% at that time!

The TPWD needs to perform another survey and provide solid data that the Alligator Gar is on the decline prior to implementing new regulations.

This entire proposal is one sided....against bow fisherman!

You gar lovers need to come to South Texas and take our gar back home with you, no shortage down here!

I'd love to come down there, but I'll be force feeding them! No hooks involved.