I use a gun. I shoot a bow and have gone out once or twice with it for a fall season. I have not had the practice I would require by spring. We just lost enough snow to shoot without worrying about arrow loss.. I have also helped track one or two birds that were hit and did not drop. Watched one fly across a river with the arrow hanging out of it, 7 hours after it had been hit. I find a several pellets to the head and neck to be highhly effective at ensuring the bird drops when hit. I know there are many archers out there that are far better shots than I , and have great success with their bows. I'll leave it to them.