Are you a new convert or have you always been one?

[skeeter 20i]

My sons and I are talking about switching to archery for the longer hunting seasons and the different opportunities that it provides.  I thought it would be interesting to see why others have switched or if a majority of people have always been Archery hunters.

Thanks,
Jason

[Redbeard]

Switched a few years ago.  Longer seasons and the ability to shoot all the time in my yard

[ELKBURGER]

When I started hunting I knew I wanted to bowhunt. I knew how hard it would be and loved the idea of the challenge. I first needed to gain some hunting knowledge from coworkers whom were rifle hunters so my first couple years were rifle but then I broke loose and gained a step brother who taught me some archery skills. My first year bowhunting was 94' and I haven't missed an archery elk season since! I have been rifle hunting for deer the last 10 years or so but wouldn't give up bowhunting elk for anything!

[Russ McDonald]

I have been an archery hunter but my first I lived here I did the modern season and after that I said never again.  It will be slinging arrows but I will use a front stuffer too if I choose.

[Special T]

I did it to get away from other hunters. I see more deer near peoples homes and it seems easier to get permission. I think i would have also checked the longer seasons option. I have not taken a week to go hunting in state for some time. there are more weekends, and afternoon huntas available earlier in the season.

[bowguy]

Always have been an archery hunter never have tried another weapon. My dad is one also. Love the thrill of having to get close and being able to hunt different weather conditions early to late season. Not to knock it but I don't see the challenge in shooting something 200+ yds away.

[skeeter 20i]

My oldest finally had the "encounter" this last year while scouting for rifle elk.  A decent herd bull walked by him w/in bow range, he still talks about hearing it breath etc. etc.  When I told him he could have shot it if we had been bow hunting, I think he made up his mind he was switching.

The youngest hasn't seemed to "inspired" to switch yet.

[vandeman17]

I grew up rifle hunting and converted to bow hunting about 8 years ago. I made the choice because I wanted to hunt elk in the rut and I also liked the idea of longer seasons and being able to shoot whenever and wherever I wanted. I continued to rifle hunt for deer for a few years so that I could still hunt with my dad but I finally got him to give archery hunting a try and after his first elk hunt in Oregon this September I don't see him going back. 

[Buckmark]

It would take too long to type why i hunt with a bow, but i also enjoy rifle and hopefully soon muzzy hunting.
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You and your sons should just put in for multiseason deer tags, that way you get the best of both worlds...

[splitshot]

I have done them all and now back to muzzy deer and rifle elk.  the reason I went rifle elk is the permits don't help the muzzy hunter at all.  if they would combine muzzy with modern it would be good.   mike w

[skeeter 20i]

You and your sons should just put in for multiseason deer tags, that way you get the best of both worlds...

Buckmark I would love to be able to hunt multiple weapons but that's and additional $546 for the three of us  .  Unfortunately not in the cards right now, sickens me how much it costs to do things in the outdoors now,  I would work a 3rd job to keep doing it.  Time in the outdoors w/ the family is priceless I couldn't imagine not doing it. 

That being said does anyone know which end of a bow the arrow is supposed to come out? JK LOL

We've got a lot to learn/buy before next year but we'll be there!

[vandeman17]

You and your sons should just put in for multiseason deer tags, that way you get the best of both worlds...

Buckmark I would love to be able to hunt multiple weapons but that's and additional $546 for the three of us  .  Unfortunately not in the cards right now, sickens me how much it costs to do things in the outdoors now,  I would work a 3rd job to keep doing it.  Time in the outdoors w/ the family is priceless I couldn't imagine not doing it. 

That being said does anyone know which end of a bow the arrow is supposed to come out? JK LOL

We've got a lot to learn/buy before next year but we'll be there!

I am a self taught bowhunter, after reading a bunch and watching videos of course, but if you are looking to learn how to shoot I would be happy to try and help out as many others on here would too. I hunt up in Colville late season and shoot year around. Its really fun and is nice to start because you have tons of options, depending on your living situation, of when you can shoot. I love being able to just go in my back yard and shoot whenever I want.

[wrongway]

you left off one choice on the topic. I switched when the department of fish and game or should I say the game department back in the day made us pick what weapon we wanted to use. I think this was back in 1983. before that we were able to use both rifle and archery in two diffrent seasons if we still had a valid elk tag. it would cost us $3.00 to get the archery endorsement. so in some ways I was forced to just to archery and have never looked back way to much fun.

[JamesK.]

I shot my first deer at age 10 with my bow and just grew up shooting archery. As mentioned above being able to practice at home is definitely a nice thing. I do hunt with a rifle from time to time on some draw hunts but I go on those hunts more for the opportunity to spend time with family and friends I don't get to see on a regular basis. The longer seasons are a benefit to me because my work schedule isn't always the next come hunting season so I can always squeeze in some hunting time.


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[RadSav]

The vast majority of hunters who chose to try archery do it for the increased opportunities to shoot does and cows.    The other reasons are used afterwards to support their decision.  While that was a big reason when I started it was also a case that I was the youngest of three boys.  So I was the last one allowed out of the truck and the last to have an opportunity.  Choosing archery eliminated my competition amongst the family members.  Then after my first archery kill I was hooked for life!