Rifle hunting is less challenging than bowhunting.

Rifle hunters who exclusively rifle hunt generally know much less about deer and deer behavior than bowhunters who exclusively bowhunt.

It is more difficult to harvest a BC buck with a bow than with a rifle.

Bowhunting generally requires a greater investment of time and energy to obtain success.

Rifle hunting is much more dangerous and many more hunters are injured or killed every year in comparison to bowhunting.

The majority of deer poached each year is done with rifles.

Rifle hunters are capable of harvesting deer ranging 10 times farther than bowhunters.

On the flip side...

Due to the effectiveness of the weapon, not necessarily the hunter, the majority of deer harvested is done with a rifle which keeps the population in check.

Rifle hunters contribute a large proportion of money to the various conservation and wildlife departments via license and tag purchases.

Rifle hunters are backed by a very strong political lobbying organization in the NRA which does help all outdoor enthusiasts.

But for me, it's bow only for deer and it always has been. I'll never understand the pleasure rifle hunters have about plunking a deer from 100-300 yards away or even 50 yards for that matter. But then I guess anti's must think it barbaric for me to shoot an arrow through the lungs of a deer so it suffocates to death and is drowned in it's own blood. I have high standards for hunting deer and it comes down to a difference of mindset. Rifle hunters are necessary in maintaining a healthy population of deer. I, personally, would like to see all states go to shotgun only for whitetail deer.