Im not against gun hunting, i do it every year, but getting close enough to an animal so you can hear and see its breath is magical.According to the people i have talked to, hunting them with a bow is doable, but not an easy task at all andyou have a great chance of going home with nothing. With the rifle on the other hand, you probably will get a shot off from my sources.
Although I don't gun hunt......the rest of your explanation explains the way I feel pretty well. I think you're the only one that can answer your question.
To ME....it would mean nothing to take the animal with a gun. To MANY....MANY (I stress)....it would mean JUST AS MUCH as a bow harvest. There's no "right" or "wrong" way. It's simply very personal.
Good luck in your decision.