By Jana Waller (Host of Skull Bound TV)
One of the greatest days of my outdoor-enriched life was the day I was introduced to bowfishing. A friend of mine, Alyssa Haukom, who is an avid bowhunter from my hometown of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, asked me if I wanted to drive up to Castle Rock Lake for a day of carp bowfishing. This was before the explosion of social media and the YouTube video craze. I remember telling her that I had never bow fished before and her response was something like “Oh, anyone can bowfish!” She proceeded to tell me that we were going to hit the water with Jeff and Cindy Braun, owners of AMS Bowfishing. Little did I know how much that day would so positively impact my life as an outdoorswoman.
Bowfishing is an exhilarating sport that combines the thrill of archery with the challenge of fishing, creating a thrilling experience that has gained immense popularity among hunters and anglers alike. Bowfishing not only offers excitement on the water and in the great outdoors but it’s something the entire family can do. And in my opinion, in a world where everyone is addicted to their phones, video games and computers, any opportunity to get into nature to ‘reset’ is a bonus.
One of the primary reasons bowfishing captivates people is the adrenaline rush that comes from hunting fish with a bow and arrow. Unlike traditional fishing, where anglers often wait patiently for a bite, bowfishing requires quick reflexes and sharp aiming skills. I’ve often joked about how bow fishing is too action packed to be considered relaxing like normal fishing. You’re often perched at the edge of the boat, eyes scanning the water, anticipation bubbling over as you’re looking through the water for a flash of their scales or the swirl of the tails. The challenge of finding and hitting fast-moving targets is rush that’s tough to beat. And in comparison to archery hunting, the beauty of bowfishing is that you can miss and it’s not the end of the world. You simply reel in the arrow, nock it back to the string and you’re back in business.
What started out as a fun day on Castle Rock Lake in Wisconsin looking for buffalo carp and lead me to some of the most incredible bowfishing adventures across the country. From chasing bigheads on Kentucky Lake with Dennis Redden, renowned fishing and hunting guide, to bowfishing alligators on Lake Okeechobee, there are few things that compare to the thrill and the excitement of bowfishing.
The sport can be practiced in various environments, from rivers and lakes to coastal areas. A couple of years ago I went to Delaware with my friend Julie McQueen on a girl’s trip. We met up with Matt Schillinger, from AMS, and fellow bowfishing guru, Corey Brossman, who introduced us to his passion for bowfishing stingrays. Not only was it a rush chasing down rays in the boat but it’s actually beneficial for the ecosystem. Rays in that area are overpopulated and do a tremendous amount of damage to the shellfish industry. After a few days of sun rays and sting rays, Corey fired up the grill and cooked up some of the rays we had shot.
Bowfishing also fosters a sense of stewardship for the environment. Most states have common carp which are invasive, not native to the waters. They are bottom feeders which disturb the sediment causing cloudiness which negatively affect water quality and clarity for other fish and plant species. By uprooting and consuming vegetation, carp can diminish plant life that is crucial for other wildlife that rely on these plants for shelter and food. Bowfishing commons, bigheads, silvers and other invasive species is one small way to help remove some numbers, all the while having fun with AMS equipment! Through the sport of bowfishing, individuals contribute to conservation efforts and learn about the delicate relationship between species, habitats, and human impact on the environment.
I’ve spent the past 15 years enjoying bowfishing a variety of species all across the country. From commons and buffalo to alligators and alligator gar, I’ve tried to plan at least one bow fishing adventure every year. A few years back I had my sights set on arrowing a large alligator gar. I went to Texas to visit my friend and all-around Texas Tarzan, Buck Medley. Buck is a character and loves any kind of crazy adventure whether it’s wresting alligators or capturing rattlesnakes with his bare hands. It was my second bow fishing trip down to Texas when I finally arrowed a giant! Buck’s big airboat wouldn’t fit down the narrow, dried upriver that year so we took his small, metal flat bottom boat. Standing on top of the front seat, I scanned the water looking for a chance to fling an arrow as the alligator gar came up for a quick breath. They need to take a breath every 20 minutes or so but it’s often just a quick roll on the top of the water before they quickly dive back into the murky abyss. The 100-degree heat was exhausting but we were seeing a lot of action which was keeping us motivated. A big swirl finally appeared out of nowhere just in front of the boat and I let my arrow fly, striking the gar before his big, beautiful tail went back under. The string spooled out fast as the gar swam away, pulling the small skiff around the narrow river. Twenty minutes later Buck was able to get a backup arrow in the fish and we knew I had just got my dream alligator gar. It truly was one of my all-time favorite days in the field…or on the water.
Bowfishing is more than just a sport; it is an exciting adventure that offers numerous benefits. From the thrill of the chase to the physical workout and the environmental awareness it promotes, bowfishing appeals to every age and type of outdoor enthusiast. Whether you are seeking a new challenge, a way to enjoy the outdoors, or an opportunity to connect with others, bowfishing might just be the perfect activity for you. So, grab your AMS bow, find a local waterway, and experience the excitement of this unique sport firsthand!
By Jana Waller
Host & Executive Producer of Skull Bound TV and Skull Bound Chronicles
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