muzzy or archery

[The scout]

maybe you will get more gift cards for xmas and you can get both . I'm with the census if you are looking for more time in to hunt go archery

[JimmyHoffa]

In the last few years so many guys have switched to archery. I have the multiseason tag this year and have been able to hunt each season. In the areas I hunt, the archery pressure is the same as the rifle pressure. Not that long ago there were WAY more rifle hunters. With bows shooting out to 90+ yards these days and the two week season I can't believe everyone hasn't switched. My guess is that if WA changed their point system and a guy could put in for rifle tags but hunt archery if he didn't draw that everyone who didn't draw would hunt archery. 

I talked to a few guys this year during rifle that are going to archery next year.  They went along with friends that do archery and got to see lots of elk, bulls of all sizes included and were able find them quickly due to vocals.  During rifle, they saw no elk at all, and the reports from other camps that did see elk saw no bulls.  And this year, lots of rifle guys went to muzzy due to the expanded early GMUs.  It really is getting to be a ghost town during rifle season.

[bsmith5913]

Will you be strictly be hunting Wa or do you plan to venture out to another State?

At the moment I plan to only hunt here in WA. I am completely open to hunting elsewhere. Honestly, still pretty novice, and kind of learning as I go. I'm on the west side, but going east isn't an issue. Also not worried about finding a trophy, just want to put in the work and get some meat in the freezer.

[Elkrunner]

In the last few years so many guys have switched to archery. I have the multiseason tag this year and have been able to hunt each season. In the areas I hunt, the archery pressure is the same as the rifle pressure. Not that long ago there were WAY more rifle hunters. With bows shooting out to 90+ yards these days and the two week season I can't believe everyone hasn't switched. My guess is that if WA changed their point system and a guy could put in for rifle tags but hunt archery if he didn't draw that everyone who didn't draw would hunt archery. 

the bows shooting out to 90+ yards is the biggest issue I see with archery nowadays.  I have a seen a lot of people switching to archery and taking shots that are way too far outside their capability.  Just because the bow is capable of it, doesn't mean they should be doing it.  This is one of the bigger issues I see happening with the trend nowadays.  Too many people switching over, not practicing and taking stupid shots. 

[xscottx9]

I have been shooting a bow since I was 9.  I can hit a sheet of paper at 60 yards, .. would never take a shot at an animal less then 35 yards.

[buglebrush]

I have done both, but have found Muzzy to be more productive.  Makes a big difference in the jungles.

[Tjv28]

I just took the master hunter test and the data shows muzzleloaders have the greatest success, 23% I think.... That being said I'm a bow hunter. 

[floatinghat]

I just took the master hunter test and the data shows muzzleloaders have the greatest success, 23% I think.... That being said I'm a bow hunter. 

where you seeing that data?  is that MH only? 

[Magnum_Willys]

See guys giving up on archery after tiring of losing animals.  Not a factor east of cascades but westside reprod + rain = lost game.   

[BoomWhop]

I would recommend Muzzy. I believe it is much  easier to become proficient with the Muzzy.  I think bow hunters have a much smaller margin of error. Bow hunting seems to be a year round commitment to get really good. I really respect the effort it takes to be a good bow hunter.  A bad shot/hit with a bow yikes hard to recover and a heart sick hunter. Muzzy bad hits are more forgiving. If you have to time and place to commit to practice then that is a different story. Both are fun to shoot, both have some good late seasons.   

[kentrek]

Muzzy would be the way to go if you want to just kill an elk

[blackveltbowhunter]

 

   Archery will certainly hit the rut regardless. But Depending on area and dates Muzzy may actually get you more "peak" action.

   While getting close with bow is important, thats only part of the battle. getting the shot off is the other part. I think many folks underestimate the challenge of drawing, aiming and releasing while trying to remain relatively undetected. A much easier proposition with a loaded muzzleloader and faster projectile.

   But not dealing with all that smoke and noise is worth it to me

[JimmyHoffa]

A few of the archery guys I know say going bow requires them to scout more to find areas they can actually operate in.  They don't mess with the brushy, steep slopes like they could with muzzy/rifle.  So, they have to find all the benches/saddles/flat creek bottoms ahead of time.  Then when they find the herds they either jump ahead to wait in those spots or follow the herd into them.  But said they don't bother trying to pull a bull until they can get onto the flatter stuff and move around for positioning and concealment.  Might just be their own limitations, but kind of described it as why take a low percentage shot when they will probably be in position for a high percentage shot in a short while.  They kind of would bundle up their gear when climbing up the nastier hills that even suck with a rifle.  The shot is not much of a concern, though, for the muzzy or rifle.