I think what GMATT is saying is that it is harder to actually hit a deer with the bow than it is with the rifle Also, a rifle can give you way more range. I say it is about equal or maybe even easier to take a deer with the rifle at 100 yds than it is to take one 10 yds with the bow. There is no room for error with a bow, you flintch just a hair and may never find him. Do it with a rifle and it will still do lots of damage.