2020 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 30
BY SENATOR SMITH
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to study fishing with bow and
arrow and to report to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources by
March 1, 2021.
WHEREAS, Louisiana, long known nationally and internationally as the sportsman's
paradise, takes great pride in the abundant fish and game available for the enjoyment of state
citizens and visitors alike; and
WHEREAS, one of the methods of taking fish, bowfishing, which started as a way
to sharpen a big game hunter's archery skills for fall hunting season, has transformed into
its own outdoor pursuit; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana hosted the U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship last year;
and
WHEREAS, bowfishing also provides environmental benefits of controlling certain
species of fish that compete with native species; and
WHEREAS, despite these benefits, the current size limitations on species such as red
drum cannot operate as intended with the hook and line method of fishing, as the mortality
rate of fish caught by bow and arrow precludes catch and release; and
WHEREAS, a different method of fish count limitation may be required for
bowfishing to adequately protect the resource; and
WHEREAS, it is the mission of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to manage,
conserve, and promote wise utilization of Louisiana's renewable fish and wildlife resources
and their supporting habitats through replenishment, protection, enhancement, research,
development, and education for the social and economic benefit of current and future
generations, and the department also further strives to provide opportunities for and to
encourage the use and enjoyment of these resources in a safe and healthy environment both
on land and on water.
Page 1 of 2 SR NO. 30 ENROLLED
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby urge and request the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to study fishing by
method of bow and arrow and the feasibility of implementing alternative methods of
protecting fishing resources for bowfishing, particularly for the species red drum, through
possession limits, quota, or daily take limits and size limits, and to report to the Senate
Committee on Natural Resources by March 1, 2021.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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