Bowfishing under the Big Sky: Values and perspectives for its management in Montana

ABSTRACT Objective A statewide bowfishing survey of Montana fishing licensees (bowfishers and nonbowfishers, including nonresidents) was conducted to obtain information on values, attitudes, perspectives, and preferences about the sport. Methods The survey, consisting of 45 questions, was administered to a random sample of 4,291 bowfishers and nonbowfishers among Montana licensees drawn from the state’s Automated Licensing System: 3,538 (82.5%) were Montana residents, and 753 (17.5%) were nonresidents from neighboring states. Results Among respondents, 11.5% had bowfished in Montana, whereas 88.5% had not. Of those who had bowfished in Montana, 91% were male and 9% were female. The most commonly bowfished waters were Canyon Ferry Reservoir and other reservoirs in the Central District of the state. Eighteen percent of bowfishers rated themselves as advanced, 45% as intermediate, and 37% as beginners. Of the three species groups that bowfishers typically targeted, 97% said Common Carp Cyprinus carpio, 12% said buffalofishes, and 4% said gars. Of the species most often shot, 94% said Common Carp, 4% said buffalofishes, and 1% said gars. None of these species were highly regarded as food. Both bowfishers and nonbowfishers prioritized more intrinsic aspects of their fishing activities (e.g., being outside, spending time with friends) over actual or quantifiable fishing achievements. The ability to shoot fish was also a key factor in satisfaction, however. Respondents overwhelmingly trusted the state management agency to manage bowfishing for native nongame fishes but in general did not support curtailing current opportunities for bowfishing take with regulations. Conclusions Bowfishing in Montana is less popular, with fewer species taken, both native nongame and invasive, than in many other states in the central and lower Mississippi River basin. Management concerns are also fewer than elsewhere and center around (1) potential unlimited take of long-lived buffalofishes Ictiobus spp. (Catostomidae) and possibly other suckers in mixed intentional and unintentional (misidentification) take with Common Carp; and (2) potential unlimited take of Shortnose Gar Lepisosteus platostomus, a rare, localized species in Montana. More information on the fish life histories will aid in sustainable management of bowfishing, provide conservation benefits for native nongame species, and improve the credibility of the sport with nonbowfisher licensees and the general public.