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Why hunt with a bow?

Discussion in 'Bowhunting Talk' started by TickTock, Feb 18, 2009.

  1. TickTock

    TickTock Newb

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    I'll apologize in advance if this question has already been asked a million times, but I searched and can't find a good summary... why should I hunt deer with a compound bow instead of a rifle? I was raised without a father and always wanted to learn to hunt, but never did. The last year or so I've started hunting geese and duck and really enjoy it. Now that I have a young son I want to learn to hunt large game and share that knowledge and spend quality time with him as he grows up.

    Can someone please tell me the benefits of using a bow? I'm guessing that it's advantageous to be out during the rut. What else? Don't you have a better chance with a rifle because of distance?

    Thanks in advance for any light you can shed on the topic.

    Andrew
     
  2. KodiakArcher

    KodiakArcher Die Hard Bowhunter

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    My personal reasons (and I realize that many of them are generalizations):
    1.) Increased interaction with quarry. (Need more knowledge of game which generates a higher level of respect for that game.)
    2.) Increased level of hunting skill. (You actually need to hunt rather than just shoot.)
    3.) Increased time afield. (Most states have increased opportunities for primitive weapons seasons.)
    4.) I just plain enjoy archery (shooting bows) more than riflery (shooting guns) with the possible exception of my flintlock... that there's fun!
     
  3. rybo

    rybo Grizzled Veteran

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    1st off, welcome. I also see you are from PA, which in my opinion drastically skews the bow/gun comparison, but allows me to directly asses things.

    To be honest there are few tangible benefits of using a bow. Yes we are typically allowed to hunt during the exciting times of the pre-rut & rut. At one time(and still in some situations) the case could be made that you could hunt deer based on thier own natural movements, but with the implementation of so many seasons during archery season, and now the imminent influx of crossbow hunters, the solitude of the fall woods is rapidly disappearing. HOWEVER, it still pales in comparison to the circus known as PA gun season. While yes you may have a tool that allows you to effectively kill much farther, the game becomes one more of random chance and luck, as the deer are stirred up and pushed around to the point that "natural" movements are long out the window.

    Choosing to bowhunt is a personal decision and one to be looked at beyond the weapon itself. For me there isn't a better time to be in the woods, and the many things you see while out there, help pass the times when you aren't seeing deer. The up close nature of the game provides a rush seldom matched in the hunting world. Good luck, pick up a bow, spend some time here with some REALLY knowledgable folks and you'll answer your own questions.
     
  4. Schultzy

    Schultzy Grizzled Veteran

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    Just as the 1st word on your name says, It's what makes me Tick!!
     
  5. Iamyourhuckleberry

    Iamyourhuckleberry Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Tick Tock,

    I think Kodiak is spot on in his reasoning. I would further add, especially in light of KA's items #1 and #2, bowhunting increases the degree of difficulty when participating in the sport of hunting. An analogy would be riding a bike with training wheels verses riding one without training wheels verses riding an unicycle. For many of us, hunting must be a challenge or it's just not fun. Hope that helps...
     
  6. MGH_PA

    MGH_PA Moderator

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    It's certainly a personal choice, and should only be done so for personal reasons, not for other's reasons. With that said, I agree with all that's been said. I originally started to get in the field more (I'm also from PA), and at a much more enjoyable time of year. In turn, I found I enjoy the whole sport and experience of archery much more than the simple greater time afield it offers. I love the year long preparations. Archery MADE hunting a year round passion for me. Before, it was sight in the gun on thanksgiving, hunt for two weeks, put the gun back, and repeat next year. Now I spend time scouting the winter months, shooting/tweaking my equipment, spring and summer find me doing land preparations and stand hanging, glassing fields, 3D shoots, etc, and of course from early October until early January, it's hunt time!
     
  7. NY/Al

    NY/Al Weekend Warrior

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    These guys got it covered pretty well. The biggest thing for me is the level of interaction you get, and the level of understanding you must have when it comes to successfully killing your quarry. There is much less room for error and the amount of preparation needed is considerably higher when it comes to hunting with a bow. Its a full time job laying down the bone with a bow and arrow, and when it all comes together, the sense of accomplishment is second to none! :d
     
  8. Arkansas Bowhunter

    Arkansas Bowhunter Weekend Warrior

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    For the moment of truth!
     
  9. Nealz

    Nealz Newb

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    I'll add what little I can as the previous guys have already eloquently expressed bowhunting. At first glance, it would seem silly to hunt with a bow - I'm at a huge mechanical and ballistic disadvantage with a bow and arrow versus a rifle and bullet. But no other technique of hunting engages me more fully than bowhunting. I have to be closer, quiter and less 'fragrant' than I ever would with a firearm. There's a historical connection for me as well. Guys have hunted with bows for tens of thousands of years - maybe not carbon fiber/magnesium compounds - but bows just the same. This January, while sitting and glassing, I looked down and saw a chert arrowhead next to my boot. It was pretty moving to be in the same spot, engaged in the same activity as somebody else 1500 years ago. Unbelievable... and sorta cool! I'm a better hunter overall, because of bowhunting.
     
  10. jmbuckhunter

    jmbuckhunter Grizzled Veteran

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    For most all of the reasons mentioned above. I am addicted to bowhunting the whitetail deer.

    And we don't allow gun hunting talk on this site.:d :cool:
     
  11. 130Woodman

    130Woodman Grizzled Veteran

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    For me I do both. Tf I had to choose 1 it would be bowhunting hands down. The season is longer, it's in the peak of fall(in most area's), there is nothing like getting a mature buck into bow range to know that you're alive.
     
  12. brucelanthier

    brucelanthier Grizzled Veteran

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    It is quieter. One thing about guns that I could never quite get over is this: You are being very quiet while hunting, so quiet that you can hear each bird chirp, each rustle of the leaves by foraging critters and finally you spot your quarry. You get even quieter so as not to spook the animal, you focus on the animal and do not even hear the other noises now and then.......BAM..... the gun fires, there's smoke and smell, your ears are ringing and you're trying to see where the animal went.

    Bowhunting is nothing at all like that. As the others indicated, it is much more personal and less detached.
     
  13. atlasman

    atlasman Die Hard Bowhunter

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    You shouldn't............in addition to??? Absolutely.




    Easier to fill tags.
    Warmer weather.
    Less pressure.
    More time in the woods.


    Of course...........If you are lucky enough to live in a state that doesn't have gun season during the rut that is.
     
  14. TickTock

    TickTock Newb

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    Wow, you guys are awesome! I can't believe the response I got after only 1-2 hours. I think I'll definitely go to the local shop and try some out. Unfortunately, I'm right handed, but left eye dominate... a lefty. Any recommendations on what brand/model to consider or not consider?? Hoyt? Bear? PSE? Parker?

    Thanks to everyone!
    Andrew
     
  15. Rob / PA

    Rob / PA Grizzled Veteran

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    My first recommendation would be for you to purchase a left handed bow. Any coach, body worth their salt will want you to shoot to your dominant eye not that there aren't accomplished archers just the opposite.

    Second recommendation, shoot as many manufacturer's you can, Bear, Bowtech, Hoyt, Mathews, Parker, PSE, HCA, etc...etc...

    What's good for one isn't necessarily the best for another.

    As a fellow PA'n, I gave up the orange army season for the tranquil alone time that archery season affords me.
     
  16. Gr8atta2d

    Gr8atta2d Die Hard Bowhunter

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    I started for the extended time in the field in pursuit rather than just scouting. I was surprised how "easy" modern bows were to shoot. The learning curve isn't as bad as you think. You'll be hitting a 3" diameter at 20 yards semi consistantly within a couple days. (My previous expirience was dad's recurve as a teenager where hitting the hay-bale was good and a pie plate you were hunt ready!)

    Before ya know it this bowhunting thing will hold you by the spine and drag you in. The bow, the arrows the perfect flight of a finally tuned rig hitting exactly where you wanted. In a word it's awesome..Jump in with both feet and welcome aboard!
     
  17. bloodcrick

    bloodcrick Moderator/BHOD Prostaff

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    After reading all the responses, i cant really add much other than saying i agree with what everything is saying. In a nut shell, I like the challenge the best with a bow.
     
  18. atlasman

    atlasman Die Hard Bowhunter

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    I am left eye dominant and shoot right handed with no problems.......am I an Olympic class archer?? Nope. Can I hit what I aim at with broadheads consistantly out to a respectable hunting range?? Yup.

    Should you shoot according to eye dominance???.......probably, but I doubt it will ever be a MAJOR handicap to you if you don't.


    Brands??.......They all make nice bows. Shoot as many as you can and buy the one that feels the best TO YOU. Some people love Hoyt, some Elite, some Mathews, some Bowtech, some Bear, some PSE, some Martin, some Alpine, some Parker, some Darton, some Pearson.............they all love their bows.........and you will find one you love too. The name on the label is meaningless.


    Have fun.
     
  19. atlasman

    atlasman Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Agree 100%
     
  20. Ben/PA

    Ben/PA Grizzled Veteran

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    Tick, first off I wholeheartedly welcome you to what is the main source of joy, pain, pride, embarassment, and all round fun in my life. To hear that one of your main reasons for wanting to check it out is due to wanting to spend time with your son, is freaking awesome. I can't wait until I am able to do the very same. This is a wonderful character building sport.
    On the subject of RH/Left eye dominance thing, I shot for 15 years just like this. I wish I had switched sooner. I bought my first LH bow last year and have not looked back. My advise to you, is to start out right or left in your case. Good luck, keep asking questions and we will try to answer them.
     

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