I am relativly new to bowhunting(3 years). I took it up because the opportunity was offered to me and to extend my hunting season. In my area, where I have to hunt the deer #'s are low. Most of the hunters who bowhunt here, also gun hunt. Our bow season is 5 months, which is much longer than rifle or muzzle loader. To me, there is much more skill involved in bowhunting and more exhilerating to be up close and personal with the deer. I have yet to take a good buck with the bow yet, but I'll just keep on practicing on placing my shots and tracking my kills. One day that big buck will show.
There is no excuse for not knowing what you are shooting!! I have known of several poachers in my area, one of them is in prison, one was hunting to put meat on the table while out of work, and the other has yet to be caught, but his day will come. (He is the one who shot the Tiger that was running loose in my area several years ago)

The best of luck in all your hunting endeavors!!!

God Bless,
Dave