I've never tried it. Gun hunted for years though. Can I acquire the skill? is it worth it? What about cross bows -- any respect for them?

Thanks!

i use a crossbow and aways have i like them they are differenet then a gun and harder. im going to use a compound bow next year though i just got one this is my first

O, and yes it is worth it and you should try it.

I don't really encourage anyone to be a bowhunter without becoming an archer first.

Ask yourself if you are willing to put in a couple hours a night for a few months to become proficient and learn archery. There's nothing worse in my mind than a guy who picks up a bow for a couple weeks before the season and calls himself a bowhunter.

Don't let this come across as negative. It's just my opinion that bowhunters should be archers, not opportunists trying to get in a longer hunting season. I think a profound love of shooting bows and arrows should be as much a part of bowhunting as the hunt itself.

Just my $.02 worth.

Ak, i guess you are the best at everything[:@]

Well put Doug.[:-]

Whats up with this comment n23?
Oh! I see now.
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Nitro- You asked. I have never said I was the best. I am far from it. I will not be drawn into a peeing contest with you.

However, the bowhunting world is now wrought with slobs and I believe a lot of that comes from not taking the archery side seriously. I can forgive misses, I can even forgive lost animals. However, I hate hearing about these things from guys that just pick up a bow to get an extra season, but don't put in the time to become a good archer.

I would recommend that ANYONE start shooting archery. It is a life altering sport to me. There is a magic to shooting an arrow that very few sports can match. I could care less if you shoot traditional or compound, the magic for me is the same.

If you are not considering spending time at being an archer, then I suggest that you keep shooting your cross bow. I actually see nothing wrong with that.

The rewards are definately worth all the effort it takes to become proficient with a bow. And for myself, I never stop learning while bow hunting. If you get a rush from gun hunting wait until you try bowhunting. If possible, try to hook up with a couple of 3D shoots during the year and you will get a whole new dynamic of bow hunting instead of just hitting a target from 20 yards. Try it, you wont like it, you will love it.

Yes you should give it a try. It's a rush. It won't take you that long to become proficient with todays equipment. Go to a good pro-shop and get set up.See if the owner or someone will give you some help with your form and the basics.

Your better shooting a few arrows at a time then two hour, 200 arrow marathons when you start.

Well that's exactly why I picked up the bow about 15 years ago. I was ready for the woods when it came time to hunt. Still don't shoot all year long. When the walleye/salmon are biting I'm fishing. Still am a fanatic when it come to bow hunting.

I started bow hunting 2 yrs ago and I love it. I thought about starting 5 yrs ago
but I didnt think I could be good enough with a bow to shoot a deer. a friend talked me into it, and another buddy works at a pro shop and he set me up.
I have shot 3 deer in the last 2 years, all it takes is a tuned bow and practice,and a good stand set up of course