Paddlefish draw tightens; NGPC says archery tags limited as applications rise

Phil Shabalala, fisheries biologist with NGPC’s Norfolk office, told viewers that paddlefish permit demand has increased since the archery season was moved to June and that draw odds have tightened.

"We give out 275 permits," Shabalala said of the archery season, noting that moving the season from July to June after 2016 increased success and interest. He said the 2024 draw showed applicants with only one preference point could sometimes draw in earlier years but not in 2024, and that continued high application numbers will likely lengthen the interval between successful draws for many anglers.

Shabalala also explained the snagging season (October) draws about 1,600 permits and carries a protected 35–45-inch slot; "those in that slot must be released," he said, clarifying that measurement is from the front of the eye to the natural fork of the tail. He advised anglers to use the preference-point system if they want to accumulate priority without risking an unwanted draw.

When asked whether NGPC could shift tags from snagging to archery, Shabalala said allocations are "pretty well set in stone," adding that the snagging slot protects reproductively important fish and that shifting tags would alter harvest dynamics.

NGPC staff reminded anglers to check application windows (archery applications already closed for the year; snagging applications open in July) and to consider preference points and partner planning when entering draws.