Guys,
As you all know, there is a bill that will be introduced in April with the purpose of banning bowfishing for redfish. I have written the following letter and will be sending it to every legislative office in the state. If you agree with the letter and would like to be included, simply post your name and location or email me @ mharveyull@yahoo.com, and I'll do all the work. I have already received hundreds of signatures, but we need more! If by chance you have already responded on louisanasportsman.com or bow.fishingcountry.com, I already have your info. Thanks! Mike Harvey, Berwick, LA
We have written this letter in regards to the proposed Louisiana Senate bill No. 573, concerning the removal of bow and arrow as legal means of taking red drum. Taking of red drum with bow and arrow has been a very heated topic over the last few years. Those who are opposed to bow fishing for red drum have made different claims in an attempt to bring this exciting and challenging sport to a halt.
As avid outdoorsmen, we are concerned that these allegations are based on emotions and hearsay, in many cases by individuals with no actual bow fishing experience, or without any factual evidence behind their claims. These individuals and organizations have created a stance against bow fishing for red drum without any logic, research, or real evidence to support their claims.
We are sportsmen, from the state of Louisiana, who enjoy the sport of bow fishing for red drum, as well as out of state sportsmen, who travel to Louisiana for the opportunity to take red drum with bow and arrow. As bow fishermen, we purchase the same licenses and follow identical size and possession limits as conventional rod and reel anglers.
To our knowledge, there has been no research that confirms bow fishing for red drum is adversely affecting the fishery. If proper research does link bow fishing to negative effects on the fishery, we agree that steps should be taken to protect the red drum population. However, restrictions should not be put into place simply because certain individuals or organizations do not have a positive opinion of bow fishing.
As constituents and license holders, we ask you to consider our opinion. Please demand that proper research be completed before allowing legislation to ban bow fishing for red drum to be put in place. Do not allow sportsmen’s privileges to be stripped away without good reason.
Sincerely,
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