Theres two parts to a hunt - the actual hunting and then the shot.

Obviously, its more difficult to get within 20-30 yards of a big buck than it is to get within 100-200 yards. Its also a given that shooting a rifle is a piece of cake compared to a compound bow. Want to talk challenge ? Try shooting a deer with a longbow/recurve.

Thats not eliteist attitude - its just a breakdown of how the difficulties of the hunt/equipment stack up.

Those few who make their own wood self bows, their own arrows and hunt from the ground only are a true breed apart folks.

WAsk yourself why you'd hunt with a rifle ? If you want a better chance at killing a deer, do it, but realize that challenge isn't as difficult. Good luck to you either way.
Stealthycat's Photo's