Illinois Department of Natural Resources host Bowfishing Tournament July 21

Bowfishing, like so much of the fishing industry, is picking up speed across the country. Much of this increase is due to the invasive species Asian Carp.  Asian carp have been around for quite some time battling their way into our ecosystem. This past year there has been some national attention from professional bass anglers, and politicians like Illinois Lt. Governor and Congressman Adam Kinzinger.  However, the idea to fight and push back against this invasive species is still up for debate due to the increasing cost.  

As some of you know the IDNR has hired commercial fishermen to help dent the population in Northern Illinois along the Dredsend Dam.  But what about the rest of the state?  The IDNR is hosting a Bowfishing Tournament at Wood Duck Marina near Baldwin, Illinois.  This is sure to be a great time and fun for the whole family.  Check the full press release below for price and more information on the tournament.  

Kaskaskia River Rough Fish Roundup Bowfishing

Tournament Planned for July 21

BALDWIN, IL – Bowfishing enthusiasts should make plans now for the fourth annual Kaskaskia River Rough Fish Roundup bowfishing tournament on Saturday, July 21 on the Kaskaskia River at Wood Duck Marina near Baldwin, Illinois. The tournament is hosted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area (SFWA).

The tournament will be a daytime event taking place from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on July 21, and will consist of both a Boat and a Walking/Shore Division. The Boat Division will feature a Big 10 format, and the Walking/Shore division will feature a Big 3 format. Big Fish and Small Fish contests will also be held.

Boat Division entry fees are $100.00 per boat, and teams may be comprised of one to four members. The Walking/Shore Division entry fee will be $25.00 per participant. Both divisions will be 100% payback.  Payback amounts and the number of places paid will be based on the number of entries, with payout guaranteed for the top three places in both divisions. Trailering will be allowed to any public access ramp or landing within the Kaskaskia River SFWA. Takeoff will be in the order of registration, and participants may pre-register by emailing joseph.middleton@illinois.gov or dayleann.morgan@illinois.gov, or participants may register on site the morning of the event. The tournament will be limited to a total of 40 boats, so pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

In addition to the monetary prizes, an array of bowfishing attendance prizes will be available to all entrants.  “Invasive Asian carp that inhabit our waters and waterfowl management areas are wreaking havoc on the ecosystems,” said Mic Middleton, Kaskaskia River SFWA superintendent. “We know that the Kaskaskia and our fish and wildlife area are target rich environments for bowfishers interested in seeking our underutilized native species of sportfish such as gar, buffalo and drum, as well as the invasive Asian carp. Those who enjoy the sport are also making a contribution toward conservation with every invasive fish that they remove.”

The Kaskaskia River Rough Fish Roundup tournament also gives the community a chance, before the tournament takeoff or during the weigh in, to see the different styles of boats and equipment used, and to learn more about the sport of bowfishing.  “Because we experienced such outstanding community and interagency support and feedback as a result of our inaugural tournament, we believe the tournament is an excellent way to not only bring much needed tourism and outdoor recreation to the area, but to also help educate the community on how bowfishers are helping remove Asian carp from our waterway,” Middleton added.

For registration and more information, contact Mic Middleton at Kaskaskia River SFWA by phone at 618-785-2555, or email joseph.middleton@illinois.gov or dayleann.morgan@illinois.gov.