Licensing

• A license is required by law for all fishermen and hunters in Colorado. Licenses have varying fees depending on the residency of the sportsman and are available at Division of Wildlife (DOW) offices, licensing agents and online at the Colorado Division of Wildlife website. Licenses---as of 2010---cost between $1 (for senior citizens) and $56 (for an out-of-state resident annual license).
  
  

Species Limitations

• According to the Colorado Division of Wildlife as of June 2010, archery may be utilized across the state for carp and bullfrogs (except where specifically prohibited). Bowfishing for gizzard, shad, white suckers and long-nose suckers is limited to east of the Continental Divide, though it is prohibited further in "waters with special fishing regulations." Other waters with special regulations may allow the bowfishing of other species.
  
  

Chumming

• Chumming---the utilization of fish or fish pieces placed in the water to attract fish to an area---is illegal in Colorado. Baited hooks are legal and may include fish pieces or whole fish, but such practices are obviously impractical for bowfishing. Unwanted dead fish and the unwanted remnants of "cleaned fish" may be discarded in the water, but not for the purpose of attracting fish.
  
  

Bag and Possession Limits

• Regardless of the method used to acquire fish, so-called "bag limits" vary by species. There are also differences in Colorado concerning the bag limit and the possession limit. Bowfishermen who seek to follow Colorado law should consult the Division of Wildlife's regulations concerning specific species before going fishing.
  
  

Special Fishing Regulations

• An extensive list of water bodies with special regulations that may differ from Colorado law is on file with the Division of Wildlife. All sportsmen are responsible for knowing the regulations of the area in which they are fishing, regardless of their chosen method(s). The list includes species restrictions, method restrictions, quantity limitations, catch-and-release regulations, date limits and other regulations that affect all fishermen.
  
  

Equipment

• A bowfishing bow is comparable to a hunting bow. The structure is essentially the same, as are many of the shooting principles. A reel (like that found on a fishing rod) is mounted somewhere on the limb of the bow; various placements are available to suit a bowfisherman's preferences. The reel contains several yards of fishing line. Various systems retrieve the arrow (and caught prey) in different ways. Some utilize floats that break free of the firing system to "mark" the location of the prey, while others use a line that remains attached to the reel. All of these systems---according to the Colorado DOW---are legal for use in Colorado as of 2010.
  
  

Warning

• Bowfishing involves the use of sharp objects that have the potential to travel at high speeds. Always follow all rules and regulations in addition to recommended safety procedures to ensure a safe day of bowfishing. Additionally, bowfishing (as well as other fishing sports) involve the handling of fish that may carry diseases. Always practice safe and clean handling procedures when fishing.