Canyon Ferry Carp Safari
June 14, 2008
Hellgate Campground
Canyon Ferry Lake, Helena, Mont.
Carp Shoot FAQs
What equipment do I need to participate?
- MT fishing license.
- Bow - For the beginner, any bow will do. You can use any bow that you are comfortable with. Most people prefer not to use their hunting bow as bowfishing requires a somewhat different setup. A short, light weight bow with a 50 lb or less draw weight is ideal for bowfishing, and 40 lbs. is more than adequate for Canyon Ferry carp! Traditional bows are very popular in bowfishing, and are easily rigged with several different types of reels. Junior bows are great, too, because of the size and weight.
- Screw-on or tape-on fishing reel with nylon string.
- Fiberglass fishing arrows work best. Get arrows without vanes or fletch – fletching can cause problems by spinning the arrow and causing the line to twist, which results in line control problems. Two or three arrows are enough, but you may want more fish points, in case you break them on rocks. Quick-release points are a good idea. Ensure your arrows are equipped with safety slides (see warning below).
- Boat (optional) - if you bring one, it must have current registration and be equipped with life jackets.
- Bow with standard arrows in case bowfishing is slow – we will have big game 3-D targets set up onshore.
ARROW SNAP-BACK WARNING
Bowfishing is great fun, but like all hunting, safety is a must ! Arrow snap-back can cause serious injury or death.
Snap-back can occur when line is tied to tail of arrow. Visit AMS’s and Sully’s Bowfishing websites for an explanation of how it occurs and how it can be prevented:
www.amsbowfishing.com
www.sullysbowfishing.com/snapback.asp
The most hazardous snap-back occurs when line is tied to the tail of arrow. Upon release, a trailing loop of line can tie itself to the bowstring. This type of snap-back is not caused by the reel. It happens because the line is tied to the tail of the arrow.
NEVER tie line to tail of arrow. Upon release there is a trailing loop of line that can tangle with the bowstring, cabling, arrow rest or wrist watch causing serious injury or death.
Always use a safety slide or cabling system to keep line in front of arrow rest.
Always wet line before first shot by tossing arrow in water.
Where can I purchase equipment?
Local sports stores will often have equipment available. There are a number of sites on-line which sell equipment. Some of these include:
What time can I start bowfishing on Saturday? When is weigh-in?
Since the Carp Safari is primarily designed as a fun shoot rather than a strict competition, preregistered shooters can begin bowfishing at first light. Weigh-in is set for 5:00 pm. This cut-off will be strictly observed so we can finish the weigh-in, tally scores, and prepare for the awards ceremony at 6:30 pm.
What food is available at the shoot?
O’Malley’s, a local restaurant/pub on Canyon Ferry Lake, is catering an evening spaghetti feed for preregistered entrants ($5 meal which is included in shooter’s fee). They serve a generous portion of spaghetti with meat sauce and rolls.
What camping is available near the shoot?
Hellgate Campground is located approximately 10 miles south of Canyon Ferry Village on the east side of the lake. MBA has the Hellgate North Group Use Area reserved Saturday morning through Sunday at 11:00 am. The camping area consists of an open, mowed, grassy area adjacent to the lake with ample camping sites for either tents or trailers (campground capacity 75-200 persons). Shade is limited. Twelve picnic tables, a 30’ x 55’ shelter, grills, water, electricity and restroom facilities are available. A boat ramp is within a quarter mile of the site. Registration and weigh-in will be staged at the shelter. Signs will be posted directing you to the campground from the main road.
What other activities are planned for the Safari?
Evening activities will consist of the spaghetti feed, awards ceremony, and fellowship with other bowhunters around any number of campfires.
In the event of weather unfavorable for carp fishing, we will have 3-D carp targets set up in the bay as well as 3-D big game animals adjacent to the camping area.
Want More information?
E-mail Joelle Selk or phone 406-457-9565
OR
Download Registration Form and other information HERE ...
Online Registration Will Be Available Soon!
