I can see some of the reasons... I am also from hilly terrain in southern Indiana. and have killed more deer with a bow then a gun.... Bu I also dont see why they wont allow rifles... In south carolina they allow rifles, as do 42 other states... Indiana does have a huge number of hunters, but so does kentucky... they allow rifles.. wiht alot of hunters in the woods even shotguns are dangerous... a slug from a shotgun that misses a deer can still travel a good 1000 yards on flat terrain.. Maybe when I get back up there.. I will start a petition and see about getting it changed at leats I know that Indiana listens to its hunters..