Got to control the population somehow, I mean who eats these things? ... no one.

Control the population? These aren't deer, fish have natural predators other than man. Without our interference they achieve a balance, once we interfere we throw it out of whack.

So, what is the natural predator for a 15+ pound buff in a central texas lake?

And honestly, Txmulti are you expecting all of us to believe that you are smarter and know more than the state biologists and TPWD? Let's not forget, Texas has the best fisheries as a whole in the nation. I'm going to say they're pretty competent.....

TXMulti, I used to fish for carp and buffs as well. But at the end of any given night, I break every record on your board with the exception of koi with my bow. I haven't seen a koi, but when I do I don't plan on missing. But to each his own, I'm not in the business of judging others and their actions as long as it's lawful. As I have stated before, when TPWD decides that bowfishing is detrimental and bans the sport, I'm out without argument. Good luck with your fishing.

And deer have tons of natural predators, I wasn't going to address that stupidity but I just can't let it go...
Hogs eat bedded fawns, coyotes, bobcats.... But anyway.

Toaster,

We�ve discussed this issue at length multiple times on the forum. Most of us don�t have any problem with bowfishing as long as all laws are adhered to and there is justification for harvest. Show us documentation of how bowfishing has played a role in managing fish populations in Texas lakes. Show us documentation of how these carp, Buffalo, etc. are causing problems in Texas lakes. Show us how all those fish are being used for either consumption or bait in accordance with the law. If you can�t, then please just admit that it�s a blood sport as others have done and leave it at that.

Well, I'm bored at work so here goes:

Bowfishing creates healthier lakes and reservoirs because it reduces rough fish such as common carp, grass carp, buffalo and gar. Many of these rough fish species degrade water quality by stirring up mud. They also directly compete with spawning game fish by destroying their spawning beds. This is a huge problem especially in deep water lakes because they already lack spawning areas.

Bowfishing is also an effective way to control populations of invasive species such as Asian carp. These non-natives pose a serious threat because they not only ruin fish habitat but could actually push some fish species to extinction.

Most informed folks don't have an issue with bowfishing. I was addressing comments made by a TFF member that does.

As far as usage of these fish, there are many acceptable uses. From the table, to cut bait, to animal food (pigs), to fertilizer.

I'll close with one more point. IF this was not beneficial to the fisheries, do you think the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would allow us to go out and shoot over a ton of these fish in a single night?! Nope, they'd shut the sport down in a heartbeat.
I have had game wardens check my boat and paperwork and tell me good job on a big haul of rough fish.
Bottom line, it is very beneficial. Period. We can agree to disagree, but I have the satisfaction of being the party that has it right.

As Slimjim has already stated, this has been discussed on the forum numerous times already and there is no doubt Bowfishing is nothing but bloodsport. As you know I wholeheartedly oppose it and will continue doing my part in restricting or outright banning the act. All of the fish targeted by Bowfishermen will gladly take an offering on rod and reel, which is both more impressive and more sustainable. For example, at a recent Bowfishing tournament the #1 team for most fish shot and landed had a total of 715 fish. Seven hundred and fifteen fish. That's not even including the ones they shot and lost that died later.

Toaster,

Either provide documentation for your claims as they relate to TEXAS waters, or please stop making false claims and wasting everyone�s time. By the way, using fish as fertilizer is not considered acceptable according to the wanton waste law.

Wasn't that tournament in another state and not in Texas , and was mainly Asian Carp harvested .

I don't have a problem with bow fishermen, and I no they are not all guilty, but a disproportional number leave dead fish on the boat ramps. I see if often. Asked one who said he was not guilty, but it was because they like to lay them out on the ramp for pics. No idea if that is true, but they are trash humans which I hold in lower regard than trash fish.

Sorry y'all feel that way, fellas. But I guess at the end of the day, bowfishing wins. It's legal, and it's legal for a reason.