Ask a Fisheries Biologist: Research Shows Futility of Releasing Bow-Capt Fish

Bowfishing is a popular practice that is legal in at least some states and all 50 states.
Unlike hook and line fishing, bow fishing is not suitable for releasing fish. The practice of attempting to release bow-shot fish is illegal in most states, including Wisconsin, and recent research illustrates the futility of attempting to release bow-shot fish.