Bowfishing License Requirement?

[hoosier]

I have been advised by 2 C.O.'s that my Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting License will meet the requirement to shoot rough fish in public waters with a bow.

Another advised that it would work for shooting turtles and frogs, but, shooting rough fish would require a fishing license.

It seems to me that bowfishers, clearing the waters of trash fish, are providing a service to the state, but, that's an discussion for another day....

Will my Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting License suffice? Will you direct me to the Indiana Code stating the license requirement to bowfish legally?

Thanks much and best regards, Hoosier.

[morrison]

In order to bowfish, you must have a fishing license. The taking of reptiles and amphibians is the only portion of the statute that allows for either a hunting or fishing license. Even though you are taking rough fish, it still falls under the category of fishing. The sport of fishing is covered by I.C. 14-22-11-8 and 312 IAC 9-7-2(p).

www.in.gov/legislative/iac/T03120/A00090.PDF?

www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title14/ar22/ch11.html