I have eaten long nose gar that my friends dad shot with a bow. If I recall correctly We shot two 3 ft fish and that was enough to feed several people. I remember them being great, just with salt and pepper on a charcoal grill. I've noticed live buffalo for sale at several Hispanic grocery stores and common carp at many asian markets. Would love to try both. Smoked fish is one of my favorites.
I was told long ago that Alligator Gar is a very traditional meal in Catholic Mexico when meat is not allowed Lent or Fridays.
I know "gar balls" are very popular in parts of Louisiana.

Apparently the bow fishing problem isn't a problem around here. Nobody I know will waste their time to go out and kill 1 gar.

I've seen it several times. It is pretty irritating to me. Seems like a waste, especially with a native species. If it were an invasive, I could see it. Either way, whoever leaves them like that are slobs at best.

I've seen it several times. It is pretty irritating to me. Seems like a waste, especially with a native species. If it were an invasive, I could see it. Either way, whoever leaves them like that are slobs at best.

I swore I would not comment on your BS threads again, but I just can't resist.

A very large majority of people in the US do NOT consider gar (except alligator gar) and carp (any species) an edible fish.

Read the last part of that sentence. "any fish that is edible OR CAN BE USED AS BAIT"

TP&W does NOT consider carp or gar* an edible fish. They are considered a bait fish!

And Yes, I have read the pamphlet on the TP&W site regarding carp as edible. It is old and written by a European and does NOT say any where that TP&W considers them as edible!

All that said, I do NOT condone dumping fish either at boat ramps or on the side of the road! I / we have turned people in for that several times. (It IS illegal to return dead fish that can be used as bait to the water). Many people use them as fertilizer, turtle food and Coyote / Hog bait and that is legal.

I have seen state park employees dig a large hole for fish disposal at bow fishing tournaments! The local game warden was watching them and was there at weigh in! He said absolutely NOTHING!!!

Most bow fishermen I know leave the carp fishermen alone. We swing away when we see you on the bank and give you plenty of room to enjoy your sport. Isn't it about time some of you sow the same respect for bow fishermen? If you have a specific complaint against a specific individual, then by all means call the Game Warden!!! If not then let us enjoy our sport!

My last post on this subject.

[quote=Texas Outlaw][

I have seen a few boat ramps with dead fish. Does seem to be a problem, at least locally.