Conservation Groups Hold Carp Rodeo Event

By JOE SOBRIO

The Progress

The Wildlife and Habitat Improvement of Nevada (WHIN) organization, Nevada Dept of Wildlife, United States Fish and Wildlife Service partnered together for the Annual Carp Rodeo held on Saturday, April 30. The event was located 5 miles south of Alamo at the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge.

The event drew fishing aficionados from all over Nevada, and even a group from as far away as Bulgaria. Attendees battled to catch the largest carp they could.

USFWS Visitor Services Specialist explained that she was excited to see such a large turnout at the event. She enjoyed the exposure and attention that was being given to conservation and the general understanding of invasive wildlife in Nevada.
“This is a family-friendly way for people to get outdoors and educate themselves on the delicate ecosystem we enjoy in Nevada,” Nelson said.

Nelson spent the event talking to attendees and answering all manner of wildlife questions.
WHIN President Brian Burris, who lives in Logandale, explained that the event was focused on the removal of carp from the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. WHIN, a non-profit organization, provides financial support for events that bring attention to the wildlife ecosystem balance in Nevada, Burris explained. The group brings prizes and other financial support for the governmental agencies involved in these events.

Burris explained that the Carp are incredibly damaging to the ecosystem. “They cause abnormal churning of the water, creating very cloudy muddy water,” Burris said. “They affect an otherwise healthy environment for migratory ducks, who nest in the waters of Southern Nevada, thus reducing the number of ducks in our area.”

Burris was excited to see a healthy removal of the invasive species, explaining that removing carp from the waters provides a fun time for families and is a very natural way to solve this problem.

Rydell Danzie, host of the streaming television show Field 2 Grill, was on hand to explain his role. The show can be viewed via social media using the name @F2Goutdoors.

Danzie taught attendees many ways of preparing carp for meals. He explained that most anglers think carp are not edible. But Danzie showed attendees many ways to prepare the entire carp for meals that could feed entire families.

He said that his show teaches ways to conserve wildlife resources by using the entire harvested animal and not just the popular portions.
“Back straps are just the beginning of wild game,” Danzie stated. “Hunters should be aware of the endless possibilities available to them in the animals they harvest.

Even with store-bought meats, consumers should be aware that utilizing the entire purchase for meals can save a significant amount of money and extend the yield, Danzie said.