Pros and Cons of Archery Deer Hunting: One Hunter's Perspective

Bowhunting is a popular sport in the U.S., but archery deer hunting is harder than it looks. The marksmanship and set-up are much different from hunting with a rifle or shotgun, and going out before you are ready can have disastrous consequences. If you think you're ready for archery deer hunting, carefully consider these pros and cons and apply them to your situation.

Pros of Archery Deer Hunting

Many hunters swear by bowhunting and refuse to return to their guns. Obviously, there are reasons for this. Initially, most bowhunters start out because they are looking for a challenge. They feel that they have learned all they can about hunting with a rifle or shotgun, and decide to try something outside their experience. Once they start, however, they are hooked on archery deer hunting.

For one thing, bowhunting is virtually silent. If you're hoping to bag more than one animal on a hunt, you don't have to worry about discharging a firearm and scaring off all the deer (or whatever animal you are hunting) within hearing range. It also makes for a more peaceful hunt because you don't have to deal with the temporary ringing or deafness that comes with gun hunting.

Furthermore, archery deer hunting does present a unique challenge. Just because you can look through a rifle sight and put a bullet approximately where you would like it to go doesn't mean you can aim a bow and arrow and hit your target. Bowhunting requires a completely different set of skills, and it can take years to perfect your shot. If you are charmed by delayed gratification, this is the way to go.

You will also find that archery deer hunting comes with a certain level of prestige. The hunters who have been hunting with a rifle since they were kids will be impressed that you shun the gun and welcome a challenge. You might have friends asking you to teach them how to bowhunt on a regular basis, which can be gratifying. And when you hit your first target while bowhunting, the satisfaction is greater than when hunting with a gun.

Cons of Archery Deer Hunting

The main drawback to bowhunting is the same as the benefit: it's difficult. Many people do not find success with a bow until several months after they have started, often just when the hunting season is coming to a close, while others never find their stride and must return to the gun. I won't lie and say that bowhunting is easy or that you will become a natural if you practice often enough. Some are great at it, while others just can't make it work.

Archery deer hunting requires more perseverance, and will therefore turn off many hunters. You have to get closer to the game in order to land a killing shot, and it can be frustrating when you haven't brought game home in several weeks. Additionally, you'll find that on a well-plotted piece of land, the sound of gun hunting isn't as much a deterrent as one might think.

The Solution

If you are thinking of taking up archery deer hunting, you might want to head out to the lease with both your bow and your shotgun. Relieve some of the pressure associated with bowhunting by giving yourself the option of switching should you fail to have any luck during the first leg of your hunt. You can also reserve one day for bowhunting, then switch to a gun for the second day.