ORIGINAL: Straightarrow
35 years ago I thought bow hunting was much more difficult than gun hunting, even though I took many animals with my recurve. I now think bowhunting is easier in most respects. I pass up numerous opportunities at very close ranges each year with a bow. Also, without question I see more large bucks during bow season than I ever did during gun season.
Advantages of bowhunting:
1) There are more deer (haven't been shot yet).
2) They are not spooked.
3) The rut occurs during bow season (at least in New York)
4) Fewer hunters
5) More huntable areas (can hunt closer to houses because you don't bother anyone)
6) Weather is better so I can stay on the stand longer.
7) Much longer season.
8) More daylight hours to hunt.
9) If you take a shot and miss, the animal is more likely to stick around or be back again in a day or two.
Advantages of gun hunting:
1) Can shoot at longer ranges ( in New York - shotgun only- that distance is extended by about 50 yards.)
2) still thinking.....
In any given situation the bowkill could have very easy or difficult. The same holds true for a gunkill. I know people want to feel good about be a great hunter and all, but bowhunting today just isn't that difficult.
Sorry Straightarrow your all wrong. You gun hunters don't even think this maybe true. It's awefull out there in 50 degree weather. If it's not snowing it doesn't even feel like hunting. The last thing you want to do is stay in the stand all day. That's not good for your health. You may get a blood clot, have it break loose, go to your brain and die. Who wants that? It is also very dangerous to hunt without others around. You don't want to run into a bad situation and no one find you. When you gun hunt there is more of a chance someone would stumble upon you and call for help. Besides think of the stories to be told as your loading up to go home after the hunt. Who would want to miss that?
Yes, if you thinking of bow hunting only think twice. I completely hate it out there that time of the year and just wonder why I gave up gun hunting all together.