I've been successful with both types of bows and I hunt with them interchangeably. The compound is a much, much easier weapon to shoot.

I killed 4 deer this year, all within 15 yds, 1 with a longbow and 3 with a compound. The compound really doesn't give me more of a hunting distance to work with. Where it shines for me is the fact that I can pick it up and drill a target at 20yds without touching it for a month. I couldnt do that with a longbow. I'd have to shoot weekly to maintain that type of accuracy.

The compound isthetype of weapon that I need for where I am in my own life at this point.

I don't agree with Stealthy about it not being bowhunting. I think it is. Is it in the same category as trad bows? No. I do however wish all compound shooters would spend a few years hunting only with traditional bows. It will open their eyes and make them a better hunter to boot.