ET,

Definitely get into bow hunting. I've been using a bow since I was 10 yrs old with some breaks in between for various reasons.

Go to a good archery shop, talk to people that hunt with them, get all the info you can before buying. Understand, it takes a lot of practice and time. I used to be quiet good with a bow and missed deer and boars within 10 yds, when I could consistently hit cigarette pack at 30. There's no in between, you'll either love or hate hit.

I started hunting when only recurves was legal in Georgia. I have been shooting a compound since about l977 or so. My compound is a PSE Nova, however it only has about 35 lbs let off. Because of arthiritis, I'm considering buying a new one with 65 or 70% let off, even so, I'll still have to break the poundage before the letoff happens.

Crossbows, I only have to say that I like it for those who need them for various reasons. Two of my friends can no longer pull bows back because of medical problems and they got permits to use crossbows.

Buy one, enjoy it, and you'll find rifle hunting lacking a little.

Good luck,
dog1