I started hunting about 8 years ago, with a rifle. It gave me some good experience. Where I used to hunt with a rifle your longest shot was less than 100 yards, so you had to be pretty stealthy. Now that I am bowhunting, I use some of my experience as a rifle hunter. But now stealth is a critical factor in success. I dont regret my time as a rifle hunter, but I wish I had picked up a bow sooner.