HR1326

LRB095 21411 GRL 51126 r






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HOUSE RESOLUTION


 
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    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
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Representatives are pleased to congratulate Darin Opel of 
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Worden on the occasion of catching a record-setting 92-pound, 
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8-ounce bighead carp; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Darin Opel is an experienced bowfisher, having 
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participated in the sport for 25 years; he has been  a member of 
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the Illinois Bowfishers Club since its incorporation four years 
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ago; he has bowfished for sharks, stingrays, and even 
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alligators in Florida; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Darin Opel caught his record-breaking fish while 
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bowfishing for gar from the shore in a backwater above the 
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Melvin Price Lock and Dam No. 26 on the Illinois side of the 
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Mississippi River near Alton; during the hunt, he shot the 
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92-pound, 8-ounce bighead carp with a compound bow and arrow; 
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after fighting the giant fish for 10 minutes, he jumped into 
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the muddy water, bearhugged the beast, and inched it to the 
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shore; and

 
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    WHEREAS, When the fish was weighed on a certified scale, 
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the huge Asian carp had a 30-inch girth and measured 62 inches 
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long, obliterating the previous Illinois bowfishing record for 
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bighead carp of 35 pounds, 5 ounces; this astounding catch is 
 


 






HR1326
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LRB095 21411 GRL 51126 r




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the largest on record by a recreational fisherman in the 
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Western Hemisphere; Darin Opel's previous record for bighead 
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carp weighed 25 pounds; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Darin Opel plans on having the fish, which is 
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currently being stored in his father's meat freezer, mounted by 
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a taxidermist in St. Louis; he plans to display it at the Deer 
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and Turkey Classic in Bloomington next year; and

 
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    WHEREAS, Darin Opel's incredible catch serves as an 
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inspiration to both experienced fishermen and aspiring anglers 
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everywhere; therefore, be it

 
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    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
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NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
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congratulate Darin Opel of Worden on his incredible catch and 
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wish him continued success in the future; and be it further

 
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    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution  be 
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presented to Darin Opel as an expression of our respect and 
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esteem.