Bow or Muzzleloader?

So next weekend I'm heading back up to Michigan for 2 all day hunts to see if I can't fill my last tag. The restricted tag I have allows me to do the following:

archery - either 4+ points on one side or antlerless (no little bucks)
muzzleloader - 4+ on one side only (no does or little bucks)

I already got one deer in the freezer so I'm OK in that respect, although it would be nice to have another. I'm really most interested in horn hunting, but we all know how that can go especially in late season.

I'd be very ticked at myself if I saw a buck at 70 yards and wasn't able to take the shot since all I had was my Mission, however, I also don't want to miss out on a chance at a nice doe to top off the freezer. I'll be packing in my climber and snow is supposed to be on the ground, so I'm not all that excited to try lugging my bow, my muzzleloader, and my stand in through the snow. I'll likely be walking more than a mile each way.

I'll be taking both weapons up with me anyway, but all else being equal (weather, etc) which should I take into the woods? Or just suck it up and lug both in?

 

I would use my bow. It gives you more options. Yeah, you run the chance of having a deer too far off, but you also may have a doe 15 yards away and you have your muzzleloader in your hand. Good Luck to you and Have Fun!

 

Based on what you posted your better off with your MZ...

 

My Son is bowhunting the morning and ML hunting the pm this weekend. It's working great.

 

Ya take both if you can. If a slick head comes in late you can smack it, or if a nice buck gets in range Bam! You go home smiling either way.
Good luck!

 

I would take both


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thanks for the replies.
After considering all of them and then asking myself, 'Self (mySelf, not to be confused and in no way affiliated with SelfBros) if all you had left was a doe tag, would you be driving 4 hours one way to freeze your butt off 10 hours a day for 2 days, especially when you consider (my)Self will be spending $80 for a hotel and probably $100 in gas and (my)Self can buy a lot of bee- er, I mean ground beef, for $180?

'Self's answer was not only "no" but a loud "hell no!"; so I think what I'm going to do on Day 1 is take the MZ, since I am primarily going up to roll the dice on a big buck, and then maybe Day 2 if I haven't been having any encounters take either the bow or both if I can deal with all that gear on the hike. Plus, that way I won't be tempted to "settle" for a doe just cuz my toesies are colder than the beer 'Self will have waiting back at the hotel room.

thanks again and I'm sure if I shoot one I'll post an overly wordy and self aggrandizing thread for you all to ignore. But at least this time I'll remember to take/post pictures of another fine example of my world-famous horrible gut jobs.

 

I would do just bow. I love the challenge. You want to make it easier use a gun

 

It's muzzy season in Indiana I'm choose my bow. I've done this for the past two season.


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I think your assessment is the best option. Go big or go home!

On the other hand, if you can manage taking both with your stand, go for it!