14 NEBRASKAland • JUNE 2016
Bowfishing
Mentor
Program
By Jenny Nguyen
Fishing combined with the thrill
of hunting and shooting archery,
bowfishing is one of the fastest growing
outdoor activities in the country. Many
hunters do it during the off-season,
and it's a fun activity for fishermen
during the hot, dog days of summer. If
equipped correctly, bowfishing can also
be a fast-action sport at night.
Interested in learning how to bowfish
but don't know where to start? Sign up
for the Bowfishing Mentor Program
at Ponca State Park this July. The
course will be taught over four nights:
July 6, 13, 20 and 22 from 6-8:30
p.m. You will learn basic bowfishing
skills, including knowledge on archery
equipment and how to find, identify
and shoot fish. A cleaning and cooking
demonstration will be held July 20.
The program will wrap up on July 22
at Gavins Point Dam in Yankton, South
Dakota, where local bowfishing experts
have volunteered to take students out
on boats to test their skills.
The program is limited to 25
registrants, and students must be 10
years old or older. Program is free
and most gear will be provided,
sponsored by the Nebraska Big Game
Conservation Association, Bowfishers
of Nebraska, Whitetails Unlimited,
and the Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission. Participants should
bring insect repellent, sunscreen and
polarized sunglasses.
Ponca State Park is located at 88090
State Spur 26E, Ponca, NE, 68770.
To register, contact Nick Tramp,
nicktramp@myunitedagent.com. ■
Mentor Nick Tramp instructs Brock Floyd about technique and equipment during a
Bowfishing Mentor Program session at Ponca State Park.
PHOTO
BY
JENNY
NGUYEN