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Hamilton
County Fishing Event
(June 12, 2000)
sponsored by the Texas of Parks &
Wildlife Department and the Hamilton County Extension Service
An afternoon to
introduce youth and others to the age old sports of Fishing and Bowfishing. |
| The original Hamilton County Fishing Event was scheduled for Saturday
June 3rd, National Fishing Day. But 14 inches of much needed rain fell
that morning and the event was rescheduled for today, June 12 at 5:00pm.
To open the activity Danny Phillips, Hamilton County Agent introduced
members of the Bosque Bowhunter
Association (BBA), who drove in from Clifton, Texas and kicked off
the event with a program on bowfishing. |
|
Danny Phillips,
Hamilton County Agent
|
Brent Jones
|
Brent Jones, President of BBA, opened the bowfishing talk with a rundown
of the basic bowfishing equipment. He showed the group bowfishing heads,
the fiberglass arrows, reels, and the rigging. The attendees were surprised
to learn that bowfishing is quite a popular sport these days, with competitions,
events and even organizations for bowfishing enthusiasts. |
Joey Speer
Joey Speer, BBA's Co-Range Captain talked to the kids and discussed how
to aim when using bowfishing tackle and demonstrated the correct use of
the bowfishing rig. Joey explained that it is important to be able to recognize
your fish. In Texas only rough fish (non-game species) may be fished for
with a bow. Rough fish species include carp, gar, drum, and buffalo. (Check
your states' local fishing laws if you are interested in trying this sport).
 No
rough fish were readily available so Joey and Brent used a mountain dew
bottle half filled with water to imitate a fish. As everyone gathered around
Brent threw the bottle into City Lake and Joey skillfully shot it a few
times and then demonstrated how to retrieve the arrow with a fish in tow.
Curious about the sport the kids asked several questions and Joey, Brent
and Andy Parson fielded their bowfishing questions as well as some general
archery questions.
During the bowfishing demonstration dark clouds started rolling in.
A few raindrops were felt and as the bowfishing program concluded the thunder
rolled. Everyone had their eye on the weather.
Next, Misty Sumner, Wildlife Biologist for Texas Parks & Wildlife,
talked about the Fishing Tackle Loaner Program, a program where rods and
reels are provided for the use of the community at no cost for the users.
For more information or to check out the loaner fishing equipment contact
Danny Phillips the Hamilton County Agent at 254-386-3919.
Lightening started ... and unfortunately for the disappointed kids who
came to fish and those who came to help them learn, but necessary for for
safety's sake, the folks in charge decided to call off the fishing part
of the event.
If you are interested in
participating in future events e-mail Misty Sumner of the Texas Parks &
Wildlife Dept. at Misty@deerhunting.net.
 |
Andy
Parson III, Co-Range Captain of the