Pros and cons

Cramer

FNG
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Oct 21, 2013
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What is everyone's thoughts on the pros and cons of Archery vs Rifle?

There is a definite mechanical advantage with a rifle, but I also assume that the there is a greater number of people gun hunting than taking a bow.

At the same time you get the opposite of that being archery is more of a challenge, but isn't there less hunting pressure?

I know that none of it is easy, especially trying to get far enough out to be away from the general population.
 
I think it depends on the state, unit, and season. In Utah I like the archery better. I find it pretty easy to get away from the blundering masses and find bucks in the unit I hunt. I'll hunt the same unit with my muzzleloader and rifle until I tag out. This year in Idaho I'll start hunting September 15 with my rifle and hunt different units and seasons until I punch tag #1, then hunt December archery with tag 2. The otc archery rut hunts are cool opportunities. I like to mix and match to maximize time on the mountain and chances to kill good bucks. For me the advantages to the bow are the season dates and stalking challenge. The rifle gives lots and lots of reach, and the opportunity to use different tactics when deer are harder to find (drives, long range, tracking, etc.)
 
I love both!!!

But have had far more success bowhunting.

Bowhunting usually brings you better weather, more animals, and less pressure
 
Deer hunting has changed in Colorado over the years. 35 years ago when I was finally old enough to get a tag, I could just about close my eyes, spin around, open them, and then just pick which 4x4 buck I wanted to shoot. I haven't seen that in many years now. Both rifle and bow take a lot of work these days, even before you set boots on the ground. But I would guess that chasing truly big mulies with a bow could be one of the most challenging hunts in the lower 48.
 
I think bow hunters have an advantage in Colorado if you have the time to hunt the whole season. They get the whole month of Sept to hunt, and it's either sex too. Rifle hunters get 9 days, and way more hunters to get in your way.

Using a muzzleloader with open sights during a rifle season might be the most challenge.
 
I think bow hunters have an advantage in Colorado if you have the time to hunt the whole season. They get the whole month of Sept to hunt, and it's either sex too. Rifle hunters get 9 days, and way more hunters to get in your way.

Using a muzzleloader with open sights during a rifle season might be the most challenge.

He posted this in the Mule deer forum? Not elk.
 
I think it depends on the state, unit, and season. In Utah I like the archery better. I find it pretty easy to get away from the blundering masses and find bucks in the unit I hunt. I'll hunt the same unit with my muzzleloader and rifle until I tag out. This year in Idaho I'll start hunting September 15 with my rifle and hunt different units and seasons until I punch tag #1, then hunt December archery with tag 2. The otc archery rut hunts are cool opportunities. I like to mix and match to maximize time on the mountain and chances to kill good bucks. For me the advantages to the bow are the season dates and stalking challenge. The rifle gives lots and lots of reach, and the opportunity to use different tactics when deer are harder to find (drives, long range, tracking, etc.)

I've been dreaming of a backpack in Muley hunt in either Idaho or Montana. Well my banker (wife) finally called me out on it and said "How come you don't just put in and do it?" I'll show her!

Originally I thought rifle. I won't be able to do a boots on the ground scouting trip so I thought that would give me the best chance at success.

On the other hand hunter pressure bugs me. I have stalked Elk with my bow but never Mulies. I'm not gonna lie nicer weather in archery sounds nice haha. Aren't archery tags generally an easier draw?

It will be a trip with my brother and like he said the other day, "If we don't do any good at all, we still get to go on an amazing camping trip."
 
I've found it really easy to get away from people on the rifle hunt in Idaho. There are some nasty backcountry areas where the rifle hunts start in September.

Hmm I'll have to look into that. Thanks for all the replies.
 
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