There’s a problem in the reservoirs of the Illinois River. The population of Asian carp, an invasive species, has exploded, and due in part to their habit of jumping from the water when boats approach, these fish have become a real nuisance. Enter Chris Brackett of Brackett Outdoors, based in Mapleton, Illinois. Brackett has perfected a method of shooting leaping fish with a bow from a boat moving at high speed. Brackett and his team coined the term “extreme aerial bowfishing,” and the sport is catching on. But it’s not always all fun and games. The size and number of carp that can take to the air is astounding, and many end up in the boat or collide with shooters onboard. A few laughs and a few bruises seem to be the routine when carp flop in, but sometimes a jumping fish can cause real damage. During a recent DVD shoot, photographer Bill Konway happened to capture the following stills of Brackett’s fiance, Jodi Barnes, getting hit in the face with a flying carp. Here’s the story of what happened. In this shot, cameraman Shane Indrebo films in the foreground as Chris Brackett drives the boat and Nicole Jones and Pat Reeves sit in the shooters seats. Bill KonwayJones celebrates her first fish of the trip as Chris Brackett and Pat Reeves get ahold of the carp. Bill KonwayBrackett drives the boat as Nicole Jones(left) and Jodi Barnes take the shooter seats. Pat Reeves films. Bill KonwayFish begin to jump as the boat passes over a school of the Asian carp. Bill KonwayDespite the often countless numbers of fish in the air around the boat, sometimes patience is the key. Here, Nicole Jones waits for her next opportunity. Bill KonwayAnd then it happened… Bill KonwayJodi Barnes had just taken a shot at one fish when another jumps off her right shoulder and hits her square in the face. Bill KonwayThe fish struck Jodi’s bow and tumbled across her face. Bill KonwayShe instinctively reaches for her face as the fish flops back to the river. Bill KonwayAfter being nearly knocked out of her seat, Jodi gives a quick shout and tries to get the attention of the others in the boat. Bill KonwayJodi mumbles that she’s been hurt as Nicole Jones turns towards her. This all happens within a few seconds. Bill KonwayChris Brackett attends to his fiance and assesses the damage. Barnes is rushed off the water to the doctor, where she learns her jaw is broken. It will need to be wired shut for six weeks. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew returns to the water. Bill KonwayDarren Martin and Jen Nolte with Driven TV watch as Jeremy Nesselrodt pulls a fish out of the water that Jen shot. Bill KonwayNicole Jones takes aim and prepares to release an arrow at one of the smaller carp in the area. Bill KonwayJen Nolte takes aim at a carp as it jumps just behind her boat. Bill KonwayThe fish come at you from every direction on the Illinois River. Note the small fish that is actually passing through Jen Nolte’s bow as she’s at full draw. Bill KonwayDarren Martin is a bit behind in reacting to a larger fish leaping behind him. Bill KonwayChad Nolte doesn’t spot the large carp next to him until it’s too late. Finding the fish in the air, watching for ones that are going to hit you and trying to get on one before it heads back into the water make it a busy but fun sport. Bill KonwayNicole Jones celebrates one of the carp she shot out of the air as cameraman Shane Indrebo films on the back of the boat. Bill KonwayChris Brackett gives Nicole Jones a hand getting a grip on a fish she shot. Bill KonwayJones holds up her trophy as Brackett looks on. Bill KonwayJones with one of her fish. A perfect shot right behind the shoulder, err, gill. Bill Konway
