I go deer hunting with a bow. I go deer harvesting with a rifle.

Rifle hunting will be as exciting if you let them come into the same range as you would with a bow. There is nothing exciting about your buddies lining up and shaking the woods for you while you wait at the other side. That's for Pheasant and Quail hunters!

The big ones are out there. Perhaps take a better look at your stands, maybe move them to a different location. I do believe deer have memory and know where some stands are.

If you kill a monster buck with your rifle, you can rest assure he will not be walking past your treestand this year, or the next, or the next, etc...

Seeing the big ones is what makes it exciting. "Mr. Big" has been around for 4 seasons so far. We do not gun hunt the area where we bow hunt so it turns out to be a 'safe haven' for him. We're glad after rifle season is over and we get to see him thru the tickets. He's a great buck. He doesn't deserve to be shot from 300 yards away. He deserves to be hunted within his elements. If he makes a mistake, he will be mine. So far he hasn't, and I don't think he will.... but he is what makes me get up early and drive out there to hunt him.

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i might lower myself and go rifle hunting!! i mean ive been bow hunting only my first 5 years and have 2 small bucks, a 4 and a 6 and also 2 does but should i give in and rifle hunt for an 8 ?? im not going a great 6 or less now w/ the bow and will let them pass to grow up but im just wondering if i will get the jitters when a buck is 200 yrds away not 20?? im in a bow only zone and have the chance to hunt 125 posted acres of corn and hardwoods through all seasons and confused what to do??
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