Drew SD Paddlefish
Contributors to this thread:Bowfishing
From: bghunter
17-Apr-19
Well I know it is not a sheep tag, but I drew a SD archery paddlefish tag. Looking forward to this trip. Hopefully water levels and weather holds out for me
From: Brotsky
17-Apr-19
Sweet tag! I’ve often thought of applying myself! Good luck!
From: Corn bore
18-Apr-19
Hope conditions are good for you. The archery tag is no gimme but fun experience.
From: Griz34
18-Apr-19
That's great, it's a lot of fun. Not as easy as it looks. They do taste wonderful!
From: PushCoArcher
18-Apr-19
Should be fun! Griz34 how do you cook it? Tried it several ways never would've used the word wonderful to describe the taste.
From: Beav
18-Apr-19
Big difference between eating a lake caught paddlefish and a river paddlefish. The paddlefish out of the Missouri are fantastic and the ones I ate that were caught out of a lake in Oklahoma were not very good at all (muddy tasting). Good luck!
From: Brotsky
18-Apr-19
+1 Beav, I've had a couple from below Gavin's Point and they were excellent! I've had them both grilled and fried, were tasty each way.
From: PushCoArcher
18-Apr-19
Beav that makes sense. All of mine have been from Oklahoma from Ft. Gibson or Grand lake also on the Neosho river which is more of a channel between 2 lakes then a river. Maybe I'll get to try a Missouri river paddle fish one day. Is there a snagging season?
From: Brotsky
18-Apr-19
There is a snagging season.
From: Brotsky
18-Apr-19
Brotsky's Link
Here’s the info for those interested. Nebraska has some opportunity too I believe since it is a border water.
From: loesshillsarcher
18-Apr-19
Good luck. I hope to do that some day. Keep us posted please.
From: bghunter
18-Apr-19
Thanks for all the well wishes, I am looking forward to it. I booked a guide with a great reputation so that should help, but it is definatley not a slam dunk I am hoping the weather and water levels hold out. I did learn though since I drew a SD tag and not a NE tag we have to fish down river anyways. Apparently since NE owns the dam, only with a NE tag can you bowfish up near where they restrict it. I do believe there is a second draw for SD, I just have to look more into it as apparently I may be able to get two tags. It took me two years to draw the tag and NR cost is $25 dollars. SD does have PP at 10 dollars.NE is $50 NR cost and I dont recall if they have PP. I am looking forward to hopefully getting one and seeing what it tastes like. I also heard the cavier is good from them too.Never had it but willing to give it a try. If anyone draws a tag in second draw let me know. I have room for another on my trip which is June 16 and 17
From: Griz34
18-Apr-19
I think you made a wise decision hiring a guide. I've had an archery tag twice. Didn't get a fish the first time, got a small one the second time. My wife and I both had snagging tags two years ago and were both able to get fish. It's a lot easier to snag than to get one with a bow, the hard part is getting one in the slot. Our favorite way to eat it is either grilled or pan fried with a little lemon pepper and butter.
From: Schmitty78
19-Apr-19
Sounds like fun! Snagged a few nice ones this year in Missouri, but shooting them with a bow sounds like fun!!
From: Tlhbow
19-Apr-19
Good luck with your trip. Been a few time's spending many hour's perched over the waters getting some very quick shooting in. Was as rewarding too me as getting any other game, especially if they get up walking on there tail like a marlin after a good stick!
From: Beav
19-Apr-19
Since they moved the season to June 1st it is pretty easy. Last year I hunted about 15 minutes and passed several before shooting my fish. They were feeding about two feet under the surface and you had time to look them over. If you hired Marlyn you are in good hands and will no doubt shoot a fish.
From: bghunter
19-Apr-19
Bev, I did hire Marlyn :)