I know this is the bowhunting forum, I need not be reminded. I was just wondering what you guys were going to use during rifle season. I realize many of you prefer bow over gun, I want numbers though. I have not decided yet. I hate the fact that I may pass a buck of a lifetime b/c I can only reach out 30 yrds w/ the bow. I agree, the reward of bowhunting is much more than a gun. So what are you guys gonna do come rifle season?

I'll be going with the bow the whole season....for the past 3 years or so I have slowly phased out gun hunting, just went bow and muzzleloader last year. To me, there is nothing like shooting one with a bow.

vashadowhunter

I like to set up with a bow the first week of rifle season.
I set up in funnels and let the guys shooting drive them right to me!!
It's worked for the last 2 years.[8D]
although, we have 2 weeks of gun season so the 2nd week I'll use a rifle.

I go and hunt with my crew for 1 week every year, we have gotten together for 23 years and I will use my rifle for that week then its back to my bow.

We don't have a rifle season in Illinios...and bow doesn't cross into the shotgun season. Thankfully the choice is made for me. I would probably hunt with a rifle when I could but as "hey, the freezer is empty" hunts or..."I know I saw this monster here last week...I WILL get him" kind of hunts.

I just started bow hunting this year, and already I prefer it to gun hunting, theres nothing like releasing an arrow and hitting the bullseye

Ditto

Last year was ML only. This year being my first with a bow will probably be bow only. I just can't decide. I have killed a hog and a doe this year and would sure like to fill a buck tag with my bow. However, I think about that big one out at 75 yds and not being able to turn him. That would stink but then again I have thoroughly enjoyed my time bowhunting. I just don't know. I will hunt through the rut with my bow and if I don't have a buck by the time it's over then maybe I'll go back to the ML. For certain no more centerfire rifles for me. The challange is just not there anymore.

The area i hunt that has bigger deer is very hard to bow hunt so I will be set up w/ my rifle on a bluff opening morning hoping to get a big one. Then it's back to bow.

I will hunt deer for 1 week at my deer camp with a rifle and if I have a tag left bowhunt the rest of the season.