Some of the boat launches here in Wisconsin have barrels or dumpsters specifically for fish. Either that or fertilizer. I bury one or two in the compost. Some places they are thrown on the bank.
My buddy and I usually throw them out of sight onto the bank. Some type of critter will enjoy them. I actually talked to a game warden about this very thing and he said he would not hassle us for it. I really don't see a problem with this method since we usually fish where no one else travels the banks. Like I said before...something will USE them.
We have a plan for fish disposal before we hit the water. We have farmers that will let us put them in their fields, we give some to the wildlife rehabilitation places, some we put in a cooler and give to friends who eat them (some people love 'em). In some states it's legal to slice them open and sink 'em in the lake/river where you got them from. (check your laws) Some places have crawfish or turtle farms and they'll take them. Some trappers will take them to make into bait. Ask around you might find takers. I don't leave mine on the bank because around here, there are few places were somebody isn't stumble upon them or at least smell them. So please keep that in mind. Mostly we bury ours in our fields and garden. You should see our plants. :D There's always cooking them too. Smoked and canned carp is really quite good. (Springtime carp). Gar are very tasty too. Buffalo, grassies, bigheads and silvers are excellent.
We take the easiest way out. Throwing them on the bank often stinks up a rather large area, and can reflect poorly on bowfishermen. Throwing them out at ramps is fightin terms, because that is HORRIBLE public exposure. Here in KY, we simply sink them. Have a sharp knife ready, and when the night is over head to the center of the river/lake wherever. Slice down through the belly puncturing the airsac, and walla....they will sink like a rock to the bottom. The other fish will take care of em, out of SIGHT and SMELL of any human contact. Check your local regs on whether it is legal (or simply ask the game warden his personal thoughts on it). Sinking them is the easiest AND cleanest way to dispose of trash fish. Sure makes the loading/cleaning/disposal process following a long night MUCH shorter and more enjoyable. The only fish we are brave enough to eat are the spoonbills, because they are delicious.
cool- thanks guys , should be headin out in the next week or so to give it a shot. This will be my introductory into the right-handed shooting " havent shot anything since my accident".