Eric, I will be taking my rifle but would rather have the bow. I am going with my dad and he doesnt bowhunt so that eliminates that option. We are putting in for tags for 1st rifle season, but it we dont draw we will go OTC for 2nd rifle season. We are hunting in the Natnl Forest/BLM land. All of the research required to figure this process out is enough to make your head spin. Have you been out before?