I'm thinking about going to ,Alberta, Sask. or Manitoba, on a bow hunt. Everone I talk to says I should go up there with a gun, it would be a waste of money to go up their with a bow, just to see a monster whitetail at 100yrds and not be able to get a shot at him. Can anybody give me some reasons to bowhunt rather than gun hunt up there. i understand there's pro's and cons for each. Any advice would be great. Thank you, Lou-Lou

I'm an avid bowhunter and would choose a bow any day of the week over a gun but if you're undecided, then find out if the seasons are different. Some places you can use a bow during firearm season. If so, take both.

If it's a bow hunt, then what's the real question?

Are these your thoughts or the people that are telling you to bring a gun? I saw a lot of deer last year that were not within bow range and I DO NOT regret holding my bow for a second. I know that if I saw a monster at 100 yards, it would not be a waste of money, it would be worth every penny.

I have heard that it is a lot more difficult to bow hunt in Canada than in the States. This would make me want to do it even more!

Just think, when you DO stick that Canadian monster, you'll have to buy a new hat in a BIGGER size!

That was the replies of my buddies

There are plenty of opportunities for shots at bruisers up here during the bow season and many outfitters specialize for bow hunters. If you look for one in the Alberta Bowzone, the area around Edmonton that is bowhunting only, you should find some good opportunities.
I know that in Manitoba, the only way non-residents can hunt some of the best areas (agricultural region) is with a bow and I think the same is true for Saskatchewan. Otherwise, you're further north in the "big bush" where there are still lots of chances but the deer are harder to pattern becasue there is less agriculture.
It's still a great time of year to hunt deer in Canada, they are easily patterned and relativley unspooked by hunting pressure.
Just find an outfitter that knows what a bowhunter needs and you'll still have a great hunt.

I've bowhunted Canada with my cousin and yes, its tough. Depending on the time of year you go, the weather can be nasty up there. Also, not sure when you are going, but if you're hunting with an outfitter for big woods deer, it can be a rather uneventful few days in the tree. We were seeing on average of 3 deer a day up there.

BUT.........the bucks we did see were brutes. In fact, my cousin killed a heavy beamed 11pointer up there. He netted 166". There is something about that place. Just knowing that at any moment, a doe could erupt out of the brush followed by the biggest buck you'll ever draw a bow on. Awesome...

I'd say take the bow and don't even think about what you're hearing.