The rack on that buck is incredible. I am very satisfied to see so many impressive animals being taken this year in PA.

Back to your original quandry.....I love hunting with a bow..in full camo..in a treestand...for as long as the wife will let me. However, considering the situation I probably, personally, would take the rifle. If I had the opportunity at an animal with a rack that big I would want the satisfaction in knowing that I could just as easily shoot it at 100 yards as I could at 20.

On the other hand, I can totally understand why someone would want to take it with a bow. There is a deeper sense of satisfaction knowing that you were able to get closer, undetected without the aid, intentional or not, of other hunters in the woods.

Good luck to you whatever may happen.

A trophy is a trophy. Boone & Crockett or Pope & Young. I'd take the rifle hands down. Wouldn't want to miss an opportunity. Maybe that makes me a bad bowhunter (I personally don't think so, but to others it does - from other posts). I bowhun in bow season, gun hunt in gun season. If you want to risk not getting him (say you see him at 70 yards and not 20) and/or you really want the P&Y number take the bow. Remember, you may only get one whack at him before he walks in fornt to someone else (w/ a rifle).

ps - i think you should invite a NY hunter that has just given you some "brilliant" advice to help you hunt him

Good Luck

Use a flintlock and SMoke'em!!!

Bow only

I don't think I'd take both. Don't know why other than it would just feel weird to me. Plan on hunting it with your bow or your rifle before you head out IMO (not both). Of course like others said, you'd have to be prepared and ready to accept the possibility of him walking by you at 50 yards if you choose the bow. Take the bow and bag him bud. Good luck and can't wait to see the pics.

If you are a "bowhunter" use a bow...if you are a "deer hunter" use what you think best for the situation.

Given the unknown of a new property, try to get an ariel photo & typo map and try to find a good location that covers your ability.

I am deer hunter, and I use bowhunting logic when gun (muzzleloader) hunting.
I try to get close to them, but leave myself open for at least a couple of distance shots too.

I'd take the gun, taxidermists can't do much with a bruised ego....

Here's a free typo and ariel photo site.

www.terraserver-usa.com

All you have to do is enter the closest zip code to the property and zero in on the farm or woods you are looking for.

Buck...you come on here and religiously post all of your scouting and hunting reports. You've done your homework as a bow hunter. You have what it takes! Don't sell out! Don't be a hound and think this buck HAS to be killed! AR are working and will sell only more to the entire state if he is taken by a bow or dies with a 200+ rack of old age!!! There is a HUGE responsibility in your decision...not only for you but for thousands of others. You probably already know my stance on this but for what it's worth, please don't disgrace this buck by killing him with a gun. Good luck!

I would take both. In NC you can. I would try to take him with the bow but I would use a firearm if I had to. These buck is not dumb.

BOW ALL THE WAY!!! Sure a trophy is a trophy but there is something special about taking a trophy up close and personal.

Good luck.