Illinois’ $1000 Black Carp Bounty Program Just Got a Major Upgrade
If you’ve got a fishing rod, a cooler, and a grudge against invasive species, your time has come. Illinois has expanded its black carp bounty program, offering $100 per fish, up to $1,000 a month. And yes, that means you can get paid to do something you were probably already doing: fishing.
What’s New in the Program?
The “Keep, Cool, Call” program is now available across the entire Mississippi River basin and its tributaries. Before, the program was limited to fish caught in Illinois and a few neighboring states, but thanks to funding and urgency (black carp are no joke), IDNR has widened the playing field.
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How to Catch Cash (Literally)
Keep the fish if you suspect it’s a black carp. Snap a few pics, especially of the mouth, head, and length, and jot down the location (GPS preferred).
Cool the fish, meaning humanely kill it, then store it on ice or in a freezer. Do not keep it alive. That’s illegal.
Call your state’s river basin contact. Let them know what you caught and where.
Why Should You Care?
Black carp eat mollusks like it’s their job, except it’s not. They mess with native ecosystems and threaten endangered species. Every fish removed makes a difference.
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Rockford Fishermen, This Is Your Moment
If you fish anywhere near the Rock or Mississippi Rivers, or know someone who does, tag them. This is your chance to make money and be a local eco-hero.
Kqkc.com has more information from the Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee.
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Gallery Credit: Stacker