United Bowhunters of Kentucky

United Bowhunters of Kentucky was formed approximately 30 years ago to promote, protect and preserve bowhunting in Kentucky. Whether you like the simplicity of the Stick and String or the High Tech Bows with Wheels and Sights, bowhunting in Kentucky depends on your support. So why not:

UBK Hotline July 12, 2009

The current bow fishing regulation has a daily limit of 5 catfish and 2 paddlefish.

Commercial fishermen are concerned that people are shooting numerous paddlefish and not taking possession of them. There is discussion before the fisheries committee to add wording to the regulation that once a catfish or paddlefish is shot with an arrow it must be immediately taken into possession and shall not be released or culled. After discussion with UBK directors, I supported this change at the committee meeting Friday. From my research I did question the claim that archers were wasting the paddlefish, but stated that UBK always promoted fair chase and worked to elevate the ethics of the sport, so we had no problem with this change, and strive to improve our public image. Dr. Angle from the 4^th district brought up the question of enforcement if arrows are not required to have bards attached to the point. KDFWR is now considering a regulation that would require a barbed point on your arrow when bow fishing. I need to know what you think about this proposal. The next commission meeting is August 15^th.

Other items of interest from the committee meetings Friday include: eight new Conservation Officers have been assigned to different counties across the state. We still do not have an officer in every county.

KDFWR has released 5299 Canada geese (4000 banded) on Ballard and Boatwright WMA’s.

The Duck and Goose season will maintain the same format as previous years. Layout blinds may be allowed at Boatwright WMA.

Representatives from the Law Enforcement division, trapping organizations, and the KY Houndsmen Assoc. met and discussed the use of snares in Kentucky. The following definition was agreed upon as a solution: “snare” means a wire, cable or string with a knot, loop or a single piece closing device which is not power or spring assisted. This is a prime example of sportsmen and the KDFWR working together.

Trapping season did end at “noon” on the last day of February. KDFWR is recommending removing the word “noon” and the commissioners would like to simplify things and end bobcat season the last day of February also.

UBK was the best represented conservation group at the meeting Friday. Thanks to Darnell Hatfield and Don Bailey for joining me. UBK is YOUR VOICE at the KDFWR, so let me hear from your.

The next UBK board meeting will be hosted by 5^th District director Bill Sorrell. The meeting will begin at 6 PM on August 23, 2008 at 1675 Mann Rd, Crittenden, KY 41030. For directions call Bill at 859-428-4414. Board members expected and members welcome.

For better bowhunting,

Gary R. Williams, UBK President

This year's Banquet was a great success due to help from a lot of volunteers and the hard work of Sharon Dickens, the Banquet Chair. Please read Sharon's Letter below.

Hello Everyone,

It was my pleasure to serve as banquet chair for the 2008 UBK Banquet & Auction that took place on March 15th at the Holiday Inn South in Louisville. Those of you who did not attend missed out on wonderful entertainment, good food and a great evening of fellowship and fun.

We were entertained and enlightened by our guest speaker, Judy Kovar and her husband Herm. Judy is an avid hunter with a love for children and it shows in everything she does. It was a real honor to have Judy & Herm as our guests.

Both the verbal and silent auctions went very well with something for everyone, including the ladies! We had several very nice hunts, some quality bows and deer mounts and there were so many door prizes that everyone who attended left with something.

This was not a one person event. The list is much too long to mention everyone, so I won't start. Just know that if you did anything at all to make this event a success, you are appreciated.

Below is a list of those who donated some of the larger items. Try to give them your business when you get a chance and be sure to say "Thanks for supporting UBK".

I'm looking foward to seeing each of you at UBK activities throughout the year and definately at the banquet in March '09. If it's anything like this year's, you sure don't want to miss it!

Sharon Dickens