Bow vs Gun
07-05-2011, 03:28 AM
#31
Dominant Buck
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location:
Posts: 21,043
Little different take, here......
I started with a compound bow (deer hunting). I took several with it, and looked to add to the challenge by switching to all traditional tackle in 2009.
A friend invited me to a hunt last season (rifle hunt). I accepted. Though I didn't take a shot on that trip, I did hunt with the rifle on our opener, here, taking a nice little 3.5yo buck within minutes of shooting light's onset.
Was it the same? No. Was it an enjoyable hunt? Certainly. I shot the only deer I ever pointed my rifle at......@ 20yds., from the ground.
Late last season, I purchased an in-line ML. I had a blast trying to figure out which load it liked best. And, I'm absolutely looking forward to doing all my firearms hunting with the ML this season (and likely - all those to come). I took one doe with the ML on our closer last season (again, inside 25yds and from the ground).
To ME, I like the ease (not what you're thinking) of firearms hunting. By "ease", I mean.....I walk in; find a tree to lean back on and that's it. No hauling in a stand. No climbing up or down. After climbing 100+X in each of the last 2-3 seasons, I view this style hunting as a cakewalk. Would I enjoy shooting animals with a firearm (or, any weapon) @ long distances? No. But, that's just me. I can understand how others receive great pleasure in dialing in those shots. To each their own. I pretty much set up in the same spots I would bowhunt from, with a firearm.
Try all kinds of hunting. You never know what bug might bite you. If you'd asked me 3 yrs. ago if I'd enjoy firearms hunting....I'd have told you "no way".
Have fun.
I started with a compound bow (deer hunting). I took several with it, and looked to add to the challenge by switching to all traditional tackle in 2009.
A friend invited me to a hunt last season (rifle hunt). I accepted. Though I didn't take a shot on that trip, I did hunt with the rifle on our opener, here, taking a nice little 3.5yo buck within minutes of shooting light's onset.
Was it the same? No. Was it an enjoyable hunt? Certainly. I shot the only deer I ever pointed my rifle at......@ 20yds., from the ground.
Late last season, I purchased an in-line ML. I had a blast trying to figure out which load it liked best. And, I'm absolutely looking forward to doing all my firearms hunting with the ML this season (and likely - all those to come). I took one doe with the ML on our closer last season (again, inside 25yds and from the ground).
To ME, I like the ease (not what you're thinking) of firearms hunting. By "ease", I mean.....I walk in; find a tree to lean back on and that's it. No hauling in a stand. No climbing up or down. After climbing 100+X in each of the last 2-3 seasons, I view this style hunting as a cakewalk. Would I enjoy shooting animals with a firearm (or, any weapon) @ long distances? No. But, that's just me. I can understand how others receive great pleasure in dialing in those shots. To each their own. I pretty much set up in the same spots I would bowhunt from, with a firearm.
Try all kinds of hunting. You never know what bug might bite you. If you'd asked me 3 yrs. ago if I'd enjoy firearms hunting....I'd have told you "no way".
Have fun.
07-05-2011, 02:08 PM
#33
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 1,498
I didnt read the replies up tell now but I bet someone was bashing the other side. Bow hunters bash the lazy scum gun hunters and the gun hunters hater the elitist bow hunters. Same as xbow hunters.
To me the weapon you choose shouldn't matter. It depends on the level of challenge you want and how much time you want to put in. I enjoy bow and gun. They both have their challenges. A bow is a close range weapon but deer are more natural and relaxed. Gun season around here is highly pressured and makes it harder to pin down a deer in a natural setting. Either way I love being out there. As a matter of fact I'm off 35 days in a row in late Oct. to late Nov. and I'll use both gun and bow..unless I tag out early with a bow. So do both and maybe you will see that you enjoy one over the other in a few years. Good luck.
To me the weapon you choose shouldn't matter. It depends on the level of challenge you want and how much time you want to put in. I enjoy bow and gun. They both have their challenges. A bow is a close range weapon but deer are more natural and relaxed. Gun season around here is highly pressured and makes it harder to pin down a deer in a natural setting. Either way I love being out there. As a matter of fact I'm off 35 days in a row in late Oct. to late Nov. and I'll use both gun and bow..unless I tag out early with a bow. So do both and maybe you will see that you enjoy one over the other in a few years. Good luck.
07-05-2011, 03:17 PM
#34
Spike
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Lawrence, KS
Posts: 32
I got a bow this year to extend my season from just a muzzeloader. Also I live in more of a metro area and the pressure on deer during the gun season is crazy. In some places it looks like a pumpkin patch with all the blaze orange dotting the woods. Hunting pressure is something you should take into consideration. I would suggest a bow because like so many have said before me it's addicting. If you go with a rifle I say get a muzzeloader. More of a challenge, but still easier than a bow for a first time hunter. Good luck.
07-08-2011, 10:47 AM
#35
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fulton county IL USA
Posts: 4,271
The bow would allow you a LOT more oppurtunity to spend time hunting and out there learning about the animals. Overall, everyone I know enjoys bowhunting a LOT more than gun hunting. I say maximize your hunting experience and get the bow.
Good luck and good huntin'
Good luck and good huntin'
