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Bringing The World Of Bowfishing To Illinois

BAI NEWS

www.illinoisbwfishing.net www.illinoisbowfishing.info

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BAI Contact Info Ed DeVries President 630-886-1672 Wayne Reed Vice President wrorion@illinoisbowfishing.net Frank Pauliks Secretary Treasurer Fpnet8@gmail.com Web Site www.illinoisbowfishing.net Discussion Forum www.illinoisbowfishing.info

Welcome To The BAI! Before we get started we would like to send a big welcome out to all the new BAI members who have recently joined the club. The BAI is, has been, and always will 100% free to join. All we ask is that you do your best to support and promote the sport of bowfishing. If you enjoy the club and want to do more for our sport we urge you to join us at the many outdoor shows, on water bowfishing ranges, tournaments and fun shoots we hold or take part in every year. Your time, be it sitting in a show booth talking bowfishing, helping at shoots or teaching people to bowfish at a range is worth much more than money.

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When one thinks of winter activities in northern Illinois, bowfishing is usually not one of them. But this year it was for many bowfishers across the state. An unusually warm fall and winter made bowfishing possible, and more importantly comfortable, for many bowfishers who had the urge to get out on the water. A record “first fish of the year” honor went out to five bowfishermen for taking a fish on January 6th! While members Frank Pauliks, Tim and Tom Beyer and Ed DeVries all did well on the Big Basin area of the DesPlaines River, Rick Urban had all the shooting he could handle on the Illinois River near Ottawa. Even better than the temperatures were the fish. Common carp, buffalo and shad could be harvested by the hundreds as they swam in the shallow flats areas of the rivers. Many bowfishers do bowfish in the winter as it is truly on of the best times to be on the water.

Bowfishing In January?

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The BAI Goes Pheasant Hunting!

Winter did finally come back to Illinois on the second week of January when we had our first significant snowfall of the year and the coldest temperatures since last February. So we put the bows away and grabbed the shotguns for our second club pheasant hunt of 2012 at the South Wilmington Sportsmans Club in Exxex Illinois. Fourteen BAI members met up at the Braidwood McDonalds before sun up for a little fuel to warm us on a chilly day. Chilly as it was, it turned out to be a fantastic day afield. Low winds and abundant sunshine made the hunting fun and comfortable for the humans while the dogs seemed to appreciate the cold temps and hunted strong throughout the day. Around thirty birds were harvested and we all had a great time. Pheasant hunts and outdoor shows are just a couple ways BAI members keep in touch during the off season. The South Wilmington Sportsmans Club is one of the best places we have found to hunt pheasants. Good prices and none of the uppity attitude you get from so many pheasant clubs that we have dealt with. There is no membership fee and anyone can go hunting for $60. For that you get use of the field for half a day, three birds released and unlimited scratch birds. And there are plenty of scratch birds in the fields. Give them a try, Im sure you will have a great time!

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The 2012 outdoor show season got off to a great start early this month at the Kankakee Outdoor Show. This is the third year the show has been held and the first year it was held on both Saturday and Sunday. This was our second year attending the show and we had a good time. There are lots of things for the kids to do, casting, bow shooting and slingshot shooting to name a few. There were some big name outdoorsmen giving seminars at the show, Hank Parker bring one, as well as local outdoorsmen. We set up a nice bowfishing info booth and talked bowfishing with hundreds of people and gave out many manufacturer and supplier catalogs. About a dozen bowfishers joined up with the BAI and gave us some great info on areas to hold a local shoot.

We look forward to being part of the Kankakee Outdoors show for many years to come!

Sarah DeVries and Bill Runchey working the BAI booth at the Gotcha Kankakee Outdoor Show held in Kankakee Illinois

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Whatcha Shootin?

Frank Pauliks Shot These Early Season Carp On The DesPlaines River January 6th 2012

Rick Urban Took This Mixed Bag Of Carp, Buffalo And Shad From The Illinois River January 6th 2012

Send us pictures of your rough fish trophies and we will include them in the new monthly Whatcha Shootin page!

Steve Bailey Took These Carp, Buffalo And Shad From The DesPlaines River Back On December4 2011

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Bowfishing In The Storm By Frank Pauliks

On June 8th I left work anticipating a great night of Bowfishing. When I got home I checked the weather radar. It showed a severe storm slowly coming from the North West about 100 miles away. I figured I would be able to Bowfish a couple hours before I had to quit. The water was pretty surprisingly clear considering how much rain we recently had.

The fish were everywhere and seemed to be running for deep water knowing the storm was coming. I shot 5 nice Common Carp in the first 15 minutes. Within an hour, I shot a near 20 lb Grassie (Grass Carp) which made me very happy. My biggest fish is a 23lb Grassie I shot last year. Soon, there was another Grassie running in front of me. I shot him low in the belly and he shook off right next to the boat. I shot a third Grassie, this one was big, near 30lbs running away and I got him just behind the head and high. I fought him to the boat but horsed him a little to keep him near so I can gaff him. That was a bad decision as he ripped thru the little bit of meat that was holding him on. I said a few choice words after he got off but it was great to see this many. Last year I saw 3 Grasses all year. Well, I got one more chance about 2 hours into the night. I took a look up at the starry sky and I could see the dark black divide where the storm was fast approaching. I decided to take one last pass at my favorite spot. I see a huge mass just outside of my lights. It was a monster Grassie. He was swimming away knowing I was coming and every time I increased the trolling motor speed a little, he just went faster

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PERFECT SHOT! I got him about 20 to 25 ft in front of me dead center right behind the gills. This guy took all the line out of my bottle in the blink of an eye. He turned my boat and all I could do was hold on to the bow, hope, and wait for him to tire out. I never expected a fight like this. I finally got him next to the boat, gaffed him into the barrel and yelled out a “Yahoo!” His power actually broke my arrow! When I brought it to a certified scale the next day, it was officially my new personal best at 41 pounds!

Now the fun begins: I decide to head back as the winds picked up and the temperature dropped. I put the troller in high gear and almost instantly it dies (found out the next day the breaker tripped). It seems right at that exact moment, the wind changed from coming out of the West to directly from the North and blowing HARD, nearly 40mph. I grabbed my push pole to stop the backward momentum. That was a joke, no way to hold the boat let alone move forward. The boat is being pushed toward the deep part of the river. It’s hard enough standing in this wind let alone running back and forth on the boat. I look for my big motor keys; CRAP!!! I left them in my truck! First time I ever did that (and the last). I grab the anchor and start chucking it in front of me to pull myself towards shore. This lasted about 10 throws when it just got so full of silt it wouldn't stick anymore. “Now I'm screwed.” I thought. "I guess I'll just float across the river, throw a tarp over me and ride the storm out". Something inside me told me that was a bad idea so I quickly put my phone and camera in my toolbox and jumped in the water. I had to push the boat from the back around 200 to 250 yards to make it to shore in a 40mph head wind, huge chop, and knee deep silt to walk thru. I could hear tree branches cracking over the howling wind and thunder booming in the distance. I got about halfway there and nearly collapsed from

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That's when I went into another state; I don't know how to explain it, survival mode I guess. Just will power got me the rest of the way to shore. I made it, wanted to collapse when I got to that gravel ramp. My foot hurt, it was bleeding from stepping on something that punctured the instep. I was glad to make it before the lightning hit the water. It was a race against Mother Nature and this time I won. I had one hell of a time getting that boat on the trailer. I made it to the nearest gas station about 1 1/2 miles down the road when it started POURING and the lightening let loose. I was lucky… very, very, lucky. I paid my dues for that fish. In a weird way I enjoyed that night, I really did. I love the adventure!

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Blue

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* Visit www.Firenock.com for more details on nock modification. 1 Currently Firenock do not offer oversize and ultra slim target arrows.Other company and product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

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Firenock Nock Fit ListFirenock “S” style nock fits standard arrow shafts with ID of 0.242” - 0.246”:

Arrow Dynamic: .395 MagBeman (ICS): Bowhunter, Hunter Elite, Hunter, Camo Hunter, Hunter Junior, Venture, Energy

Cabela’s: Carbon Hunter, Stalker Extreme Carbon, Outfitter SeriesCarbon Xpress: AMPED-XS 30, Aramid KV, Carbon Rebel, Carbon Rebel Hunter, Heritage,

MACH 5™, Maxima™, Maxima™ 3D Select, Maxima™ Blue Streak, Maxima™ Blue Streak Select, Maxima™ Hunter, Maxima™ Hunter KV, Mayhem™, Mayhem™ Hot Pursuit, Mayhem™ Hunter, Mutiny, Piledriver™, Piledriver™ Hunter, Predator II, Terminator Hunter, Terminator Lite, Terminator Lite Hunter, Terminator Lite Select, Terminator Select Hunter, Terminator XP, Thunderstorm, Thunderstorm SE, Whitetail

Carbon Impact: Stealth XLT, Trophy Hunter, Carbon youthCarbon Tech: Cheetah, Panther, Rhino, WhitetailEaston: Carbon Storm, Flatline Surgical, Flatline, LightSpeed, Lightspeed 3D, PowerFlight, A/C/C

3-60/3401, 3-71/3002 Forge: Extreme KevlonGold Tip: Pro Hunter, XT Hunter, Expedition Hunter, Falcon, Traditional XT, Traditional Hunter, Big

Game 100+, Ted Nugent Signature, Velocity, CAA .350*Harvest time Archery: HT-2 High Country: Speed ProPSE: Carbon Force, X-Weave, X-Weave ProRed Head (Bass Pro Shop): Carbon Fury, Carbon MAX2, Carbon Maxx, Carbon Hunter, Carbon

Supreme, Carbon Supreme LiteVapor: Predator, Predator Pro, Hunter, Hunter Pro, Pro Black, Pro Whitetail, Whitetail, Carbon

Aluminum .400*, Carbonwood, Wayne Carlton Signature, Vapor JetsVictory: V-Force, V-Force HV 30.06 Archery: Tom Nelson Signature Arrow

Firenock “A” will fit slim diameter graphite shafts with an internal diameter of 0.202” - 0.204”:Beman: Team Realtree MFX™, Classic MFX™, BLACK MAX™, MAX-4™Carbon Xpress: CX Edge™, CX Edge™ Hunter A/C Super Slim, ST Axis Full Metal Jacket, ST Axis

Full Metal Jacket Camo, ST Axis Full Metal Jacket Dangerous Game, ST Axis Realtree APG, ST Axis Mossy Oak Obsession, ST Axis, ST Axis Junior, A/C/C 3-28/390 (ID: 0.205”)*

Gold Tip: Kinetic Hunter, Kinetic Pro, Kinetic XTTrophy Ridge: Blast, Crush, Hailfire, Wrath

Firenock “Y” will fit thick wall graphite crossbow bolts with internal diameter of 0.284” - 0.286” (can fit as small as 0.270”):

Carbon Xpress: Aramid KV® Crossbolt, CX™Crossbolt, Maxima™,Hunter Crossbolt

Parker: Crossbow Bolt, Redhot Crossbow BoltVapor by Gold Tip: Crossfire Bolt*, Laser IV

Firenock “C” & “F” will both fit typical graphite and aluminum crossbow bolts with an internal diameter of 0.297” - 0.304”:

Barnett: same as EastonBowtech: Striker BoltBeman: ICS Thunderbolt®Carbon Impact: Ultra Bolt XLT 22Easton: Carbon Realtree Power Bolt, Carbon Power Bolt, 2219Excalibur: same as EastonGold Tip: Laser II, Pro Laser II, Laser IIIHorton: same as EastonTenPoint: Pro EliteVictory: Crossbow Bolt

Firenock “D” will fit 0.300” diameter graphite arrows/bolts w/nock:Carbon Force: Tac 10, Tac 15

Firenock “E” will fit medium diameter full carbon, carbon-aluminum, aluminum-carbon, arrow shafts with an internal diameter of 0.229” - 0.232”:

Arrow Dynamic: Nitro Stinger (ID 0.211)* Carbon Xpress: Predator™ II youthEaston: ACC Pro Hunter, A/C/C 3-49/390, ST Epic Realtree HD

Green, ST Epic, A/C/C 3-39*, Gold Tip: CAA .400High Country: Speed Pro (ID 0.233)

Firenock “V” will fit 22-Series diameter graphite arrows/bolts with internal diameter of 0.299” - 0.301”:

Carbon Tech: HippoGold Tip: Ultralight Series-22, Ultralight Series-22 ProVictory: VX-22, VX-22HV

Firenock S

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Regulation Update As many know, the BAI have been working with the IDNR and local municipalities since we formed to enhance and promote the sport of bowfishing. Growing and protecting our sport is the single most important function of the BAI. We do this in many ways. Bowfishing displays at outdoor shows introduce hundreds of people to our sport. We have gained many members and helped many people get started in bowfishing at these shows. And those who don’t start bowfishing get a understanding of what the sport is all about. This is very important in a time when bowfishing has been attacked by anti hunting/fishing organizations, and worse, from other fishing groups who simply don’t like our way of harvesting fish. Working with the DNR and other state organizations to promote our sport is also a very important way to grow and protect bowfishing. We are very lucky to have in our DNR people who take a scientific view of fisheries management and who are 100% behind bowfishing, wanting to promote and expand the sport. In 2010 the BAI worked with the IDNR to get bowfishing records officially recognized by the state of Illinois. And we continuue to work with the IDNR on ways to grow our sport and to increase bowfishing opportunities across the state. In this monthly page we will give you all an update on anything we are working on with the IDNR and other state organizations. If there are areas you feel we should look into, please send us an email and let us know. Currently the BAI is working with the IDNR to open bowfishing on several bodies of water throughout the state. We are also working with the DNR and the Dupage Cty. Forest Preserve District to allow bowfishing on several rivers such as the Fox and Dupage where they run thru FPD lands. We are also working on changing regulations to allow the harvest of turtles with a bow in Illinois. Many states allow turtles to be harvested this way but currently the Illinois regulations only allow the taking of turtles by hook or net. We also continue to work on more ways to get more sportsmen and women bowfishing for asian carp and eating these very tasty fish. We hope everyone stops by the Chicago Outdoor Show to meet IDNR Director Marc Miller On the demo stage Saturday January 28th at 12;15. And come out to the Tinley Park Outdoor Show to meet the new IDNR Fisheries Chief Debbie Bruce and our good friend Jim Mick on February 11th at 1pm. And let them know how much you appreciate all they have done for bowfishing! We will keep everyone updated each month on our work to increase bowfishing opportunities for sportsmen and women across our state.

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Outdoor Shows & Bowfishing Ranges Kankakee Outdoor Show January 7th & 8th Kankakee, IL 60901 Chicago Outdoor Sports Show January 26-29 Rosemont Illinois The Great Outdoors Show February 4th & 5th Timber Creek Inn Sandwich Illinois Southern Illinois Outdoor & Boat Show February 3-5th Marion Illinois Tinley Park Outdoor Show February 11th & 12th Tinley Park Illinois Cabelas Spring Outdoor Show March 17th & 18th Hammond Indiana Illinois State Fair-IDNR Conservation World August 9-19 Northern Illinois Hunting & Fishing Days September 22 & 23 Yorkville Illinois Southern Illinois Hunting & Fishing Days September 22 & 23 Cartersville Illinois We will also be taking part in several Cabelas/Northwoods and WITO events TBA.

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Bowfishing Tournaments & Fun ShootsPlano N/W Indiana Championship At Lasalle (Lasalle F&W Area, Lake Village Indiana) - April 21 Day/Night Shoot. Big 10 Cabelas 3 Rivers Championship (3 Rivers Marina Wilmington Illinois) - May 26-Day/Night Big 10 w. multiple big fish competitions for the day format. AMS Bowfishing Grass Lake Championship (Chain of Lakes SP, Antioch Illinois)-June 16-Day shoot-Big 10 format Innerloc Illinois State Championship/Directors Shoot (Starved Rock SP, Utica Illinois)-July 21 & 22-Day shoot big 6 with multiple big/small fish competitions. Night big 30 competition w. asian numbers competition. Muzzy Ohio River Championship(Rosiclare Illinois) -August 4-Night shoot, Big 20 competition/Numbers competition 2012 FUN SHOOTS March 24th-BAI Season Kick Off Shoot At 3 Rivers Big 5 Shoot with optional big fish pots Lake Shelbyville-TBA We will also be adding a Illinois River Shoot at Henry and another at Ottawa and will have details on these in the next newsletter.

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Well that’s about it for this months edition of the BAI News. We hope you like this new style of newsletter and welcome any comments. We feel that it will save you a lot of downloading time as it is hosted on another site, but if you would like to keep it like the past issues or print it, just follow the instructions on downloading. We can now create much larger newsletters with larger and better quality pictures along with full page ads from our clubs spnsors. Speaking of sponsors, we urge all new and existing members to use our sponsors products and services. All the door prizes we give away, all the bows we use at the bowfishing ranges and all the shoot prizes were donated by these sponsors.It makes sense that we in the BAI return the favor and support those who have supported us for so many years. A couple remeinders before we sign off. The BAI`s Cabelas Winter League Big Fish Contest runs thru March 1st. We have some great fish already entered but there is still plenty of time to enter fish if you can take the cold! The BAI`s 2012 Innerloc Big Fish Contest will start on March 1st and run an extra month to November 1st this year. We now have a set list of species that may be entered as well. Check our forum at www.illinoisbowfishing.info for more information and to sign up for these fun contests! We are continuing to grow a fantastic prize list for this years Innerloc State Championship/The Directors Shoot day portion of the shoot. July 21st & 22nd are the shoot dates and we will once again hold the shoot out of the Starve Rock SP in Utica. More on this and the prize list in next months issue.