Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: Little Fish on December 31, 2008, 01:43:37 PM
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Is there any particular reason why I should or should not consider hunting deer with a bow next year? I have one of each (modern rifle, muzzleloader, bow). I've already made the switch to a bow for elk hunting, but have been thinking about switching for deer too. Just curious what you guy's thoughts are.
LF
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What are you targeting, whitetail, mule deer or blacktail?
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the only reason i am not hunting deer with a bow next year is because I have 11 points for deer and want to use it on a rifle tag. Just some insight ;)
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blacktail
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why not? longer season, more time in the woods, first in the woods, and thats not mentioning its by far the only way to hunt :twocents:
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:yeah: :archer:
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Longer, better season more challenging and more rewarding! If you've bow hunted for elk during the rut you know what im talking about.
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I switched 7 years ago and will never go back.
Coon
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I switched 5 years ago....it is so much better.
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I've hunted/killed deer and elk with a bow, ML, and rifle. IMO I have to say I think its easier to harvest an animal with a bow. You get to them first when they are naive and you get to hunt them last when they are in their winter migrations. I have had success with each weapon but I think its far easier for me to harvest them with a bow not to mention very satisfying when you stalk within 10-15 yrds of an animal.
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Thanks for the responses. Although I haven't connected yet, hunting elk with a bow has been exciting...that's why I'm considering the switch. I thought it would be more difficult taking a deer with a bow, but then again I haven't really tried it.
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Unless there is a special permit or something holding you back, I'd say go for it. How prficient are you with either weapon. I had a bow for 10 years before I thought I was good enough with it to morally hunt with one.
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LOL, pose the question to the general, or deer hunting thread you may get more varied answers. This was my first year of bow hunting after a lot of good and successful years rifle hunting. I had planned on hunting 30 plus days, but only got out 18-20 due to work. I can say I saw far less game than I ever have rifle hunting. I still also encountered just as many, if not more idiots and hunting pressure in general in the same areas I have hunted rifle. I will reserve judgment for a couple more years, but if this year was any indication, I'm not sold yet. I do really enjoy just shooting my bow, so it wouldn't bother me not not hunt with one, at this point but who knows in a couple more years.
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From what i have seen by running around during archery season and going out in the field with archery hunting friends most of my general areas are far less crowded during archery seasons :dunno:
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From what i have seen by running around during archery season and going out in the field with archery hunting friends most of my general areas are far less crowded during archery seasons :dunno:
There's just too many people over here in general... :(
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hands down archery has less pressure then rifle season, not to mention never worrying about bullets flying your way.. never good... I rarely ever see another hunter in the areas I hunt.... if you think its to crowded work your ass off and get some private property.. I get new land yearly.... its not that hard ;)
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I've been shooting my bow for a couple years with a fair amount of practice time throughout the year (especially in the months leading up to the season opener) so I feel proficient with my bow. Based on my experience rifle/muzzleloader hunting for blacktail it seems like it would be very very difficult getting close. Maybe I would be better off going after mulies?
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bow hunting is awsome,I would bow hunt till I couldnt pull one.I miss it
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getting close to a blacktail is easier IMO then a mature mulie.. mulies live in mainly open terrain, balckies live mostly in thicker..... I have arrowed quite a few of both.. the difficulty lies within where you are hunting and what variables you are up against.. I have had hunts last hours and some last weeks for both types..
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This year while bear hunting i saw so many nice blacktails walkin around in september that im gunna try and switch to archery this year :)
