19th Annual Canyon Ferry Carp Safari T
he Latin name for what we identify as the common carp is Cyprinus Carpio. Sometimes referred to as the European Carp, German Carp, Mirror Carp, Leather Carp, Stink Missle, Slime Weasel or Mud Torpedo (I made those last three names up) but most folks in Montana just call them carp. They’re invasive, they’re exotic, they’re inedible, they’re slimy, they’re smelly, they’re edible. Wait, they’re edible? Yep, you read that correctly. The common carp found here in Montana are edible and that is exactly how Cyprinus Carpio found itself swimming throughout the many lakes, reservoirs and rivers across most of the state. The common carp was brought into the U.S. in 1831 by the United States Fish Commission and introduced as a food fish. But in 1876, 45 years after living and swimming in many other inferior state’s waters the old Mud Torpedo final migrated into Montana (that story sounds familiar). Like it or not those mud rootin, air suckin, big group spawning, whisker faced slimy Stink Missles are here to stay. Thankfully there’s a few good Americans that gather together each year for a few days on Canyon Ferry to stalk, hunt and terminate a handful of those beasts. This past June was the MBA’s 18th annual Carp Safari. As usual it was a blast and the event seemed to have a great participant turnout. Over 100 carp lover/haters took part on Saturday June 12th.
The conditions were in the carp’s favor with low lake levels and pre-spawn behaviors. I personally enjoy the hunt when the fish are spooky, hard to find and hard to shoot and this year’s event was all of that. Prior to this year’s Safari, Joelle Selk had organized all of the “behind the scenes” Carp Safari tasks and responsibilities. Trust me when I say it’s not as easy as just shooting fish. I would like to give a big thank you to Joelle for all those years of putting on the event. I was “awarded” the position for this year and the Carp Safari baton was handed off to me, yes I fumbled the baton a few times. I hope everyone that attended enjoyed the summer fun on the lake with all our MBA brethren, I know I certainly did. I believe we gained a few new members as well.
Top: Past Carp Princess, Hope Bottom: Hudson Tripp with his largest carp
And the winners are:
A
Sawyer Evans with a youth trifecta! Youth Big Fish 12 lb 7oz Youth Small Fish 6lb 6oz Youth Most Fish 2
B
Team Brian and Lucas with 48 fish
C
Individual most fish Chance Hill with 18 Adult big fish Sol Smith with a 13lb,5oz stink missle Adult small fish was shared by Mark and Brian with a 2lb,9oz fish
And a few rhyming words for the carp we sent to the spirit world… The buzzards were all waiting with anticipation Easy meals they thought on the banks they’d be layin’ Every year come June them fish will be sorry It’s time for the annual Carp Safari The conditions weren’t good for the bow fishing humans The scavengers didn’t know their plan was in ruins For the carp were scarce but still a few were found Thrown into the dumpster and not on the ground If them buzzards had lips they’d sure be a lickin’ At the sight of that dumpster with a few fish still kickin’ But what made them birds really really happy Was the sight of a young shooter who was there with his Pappy A young feller named Sawyer scored a trifecta A big fish, a small fish, and the most fish I tell ya The buzzards had all of their eyes on that youth Free bird meals were a coming and that was the truth Cyprinus Carpio or whatever ya call it They’re edible sure, but to who? Let’s be honest. Next June let’s give them birds a real feast Let’s fill two dumpsters! (or maybe just one at least)
Fall 2021
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