WATERLOO -- Several sportsmen are asking city leaders to reconsider the ban on fishing with bows and arrows.

Mike Hertges, owner of Mike's Archery, approached Waterloo City Council members Monday after learning bow fishers had been shut down by local law enforcement.

The activity, which generally involves hunting rough fish in backwaters, has been in full swing as floodwaters receded this spring. But city ordinances against firing projectiles make the practice illegal within city limits.

"It's bow fishing; it's not bowhunting," Hertges said. "It's legal in Iowa. It's legal in George Wyth State Park. - It's legal in Cedar Falls and Evansdale."

Mayor Tim Hurley said Hertges made a "legitimate request" that deserves to be investigated by city staff and considered by the policy makers, but no deadline was given for a possible decision.

Council members have granted exceptions to the projectile ordinances in the past for Iowa Department of Natural Resources-sponsored deer harvests in the greenbelt areas and for paintball activities.

Hurley noted Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and Des Moines all have ordinances similar to Waterloo's. He questioned whether it was legal in all of George Wyth, because a portion of the park east of U.S. Highway 218 is actually in the Waterloo city limits.

Cedar Falls City Council members voted in 1999 to drop its ban and allow bow fishing to take place.

Hertges said the fishermen only shoot 5 to 10 feet and have a line on the arrow to reel in the fish.

"This is a very safe sport," he said. "You shoot in a downward motion."

The DNR regulates bow fishing, and it requires a fishing license.

Contact Tim Jamison

at (319) 291-1577 or

tim.jamison@wcfcourier.com.