American sportsmen generally regard killing animals for money as poor sportsmanship. However, there are times when the removal of invasive or unmanaged species requires an extra incentive. We’ve scoured the country to compile a list of animals sportsmen can pursue to help balance the ecosystem (and possibly their checkbooks).
American sportsmen generally regard killing animals for money as poor sportsmanship. However, there are times when the removal of invasive or unmanaged species requires an extra incentive. We’ve scoured the country to compile a list of animals sportsmen can pursue to help balance the ecosystem (and possibly their checkbooks).
FISH
That’s right, just because you don’t see fish tearing up fields or harassing livestock doesn’t mean that invasive fish species don’t wreak havoc on the ecosystem. Here are a few places where states may compensate anglers beyond dinner:
Rainbow Trout – Most anglers consider trout to be a catch-and-release species. While they are delicious cooked on a cedar plank next to the fire, the fly community would prefer to see these fish swim free. Rainbows threaten one of the best trout fisheries in the US. The Snake River in Idaho is loaded with rainbows, and they aren’t supposed to be there. The aggressive rainbows outcompete local cutthroat trout and, in some cases, hybridize, creating “cut-bows.” Neither option is ideal for management agencies or fly anglers looking to catch a wild cutthroat, so Idaho has created a fish lottery. Fish and Game implanted wild rainbows with ID chips worth between $50 and $100. The microscopic chips are embedded in the trout’s head, so the only way to find out if you got a money fish is to take your catch to Fish and Game. We think it’s a double-win: protect native trout and win money.
Image: Overnight Fly Fishing on the Snake River in Idaho
Brown Trout – Arizona has placed a bounty on brown trout in the Colorado River. To protect native fish like the humpback chub, anglers can earn $25 per brown trout harvested. The trout must be over six inches and taken in the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and the Paria River inflow. Anglers need to provide the head to fish and Game to collect their reward.
Northern Pikeminnow – Anglers in Oregon have the chance to make some serious money while protecting salmon and steelhead this year. A collation effort to increase salmon numbers has put a price on Pikeminnows through the Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Program. At $5 a fish and higher prices for larger volumes of fish, one angler raked in $61,000 last season. Money for your next truck could be just swimming around in the northwest.
GAME
The first “bounty” was enacted in the Massachusetts Bay Colonies in 1630 to reduce wolf populations. While bounties on predators have mostly vanished in the following 400 years, there are still a few areas where hunters can make some money from harvesting animals.
Coyotes – Furbearers and predators, coyotes, are an excellent hunt regardless of bounty status. Coyotes have been shown to target fawns and can drastically reduce deer and livestock herds if left unchecked. If you happen to be a hunter in Utah, the state will pay $50 per coyote killed. Many states have open seasons on coyotes and allow private raffles and competitions for predator hunting too. Check with local guides and forums for events that may be happening in your area.
Pythons – You aren’t surprised that I snuck a Florida option here, are you? Individuals participating in the state’s training program can enroll as removal agents who are paid hourly and a base bounty of $50 for a four-foot snake and an additional $25 for every foot after. Someone pulls a 15,16, 0r 17-foot snake out of the everglades every year. The second week of august also has the python challenge with prizes up to $2500 for the most snakes captured.
As biologists, hunters, and politicians interact yearly to promote better management practices, bounties are discussed. These payouts have increased participation and, in many cases, the number of game animals. Utah’s mule deer numbers have increased, so neighboring states have contemplated similar coyote bounties. It may take several years to see the impacts of python or Pikeminnow removal, but in the meantime, it’s a great excuse to get out and participate.
Have you ever cashed in on a catch or critter?