Factor in the reality the bowhunters wound more animals, one may argue that they are less skilled then rifleman. In fact, if you ask people out west here, it is much easier to kill an elk with a bow then a gun. During early season bowhunters have the benefit of the rut, and calling. During general season elk get much more scarce and much more diificult to find. Bowhunters rarily have to deal with hunting pressure in the early seasons.