Bow hunting versus rifle hunting is typically a matter of personal choice. Yet, bow hunting continues to grow in popularity faster than hunting with a rifle.
So, why should you consider bow hunting over rifle hunting?
Bow hunting offers many unique advantages over rifle hunting. Hunting with a bow provides a longer season, allows you to develop different skills, and gives your prey a fairer chance of survival.
Here is a closer look at the top 5 reasons to consider bow hunting versus rifle hunting.
1. Hunting Season Lasts Longer for Bow Hunters
A longer hunting season is the top reason people want to hunt with a bow. Each state has different start and end dates for hunting, but archers typically have a more extended season.
Depending on where you live, a bow may give you an extra two to three weeks of hunting. In some states, you may gain an extra month or two of hunting. This increases your odds of bagging game.
Deer Season May Only Last Two Weeks
In Michigan, firearm deer hunting season covers the last two weeks of November. Michigan bowhunters can hunt for six weeks before regular firearm season and all of December and January.
Tennessee has the longest deer season. However, you can only hunt with a rifle from November 20th to January 2nd. However, you can hunt with a bow between September 25th to November 19th.
Bow Hunters May Enjoy More Plentiful Game
Bowhunting season tends to start before regular firearm season in most states. You get to start hunting before everyone shows up with their rifles and thinning the local deer population or your preferred prey.
Getting a head start on the season may give you access to more plentiful game. You may not need to wait as long for a suitable target to cross your path, and you have more opportunities to encounter game.
2. Using a Bow is Quieter Compared to Shooting a Rifle
You should always wear ear protection when firing a rifle. However, even with ear protection, you may dislike the loud bang produced by a rifle. You may also risk permanent hearing loss.
You do not need to worry about hearing damage from a bow and arrow. The arrow itself is almost silent. Most of the noise comes from the bow during release. The sound of a bow during release should not reach a high enough level to cause hearing loss without prolonged exposure.
Rifles Can Produce Over 175 Decibels of Noise
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), most firearms produce at least 140 decibels (dB) of noise. However, pistols and big-bore rifles can produce over 175 dB of noise.
A single shot can cause hearing loss when not wearing ear protection. Earmuffs and earplugs worn incorrectly may also fail to provide adequate protection against these damaging decibels.
A Bow and Arrow Produces 88 to 94 Decibels of Noise
The decibel level of a bow is between 88 and 94 decibels. A rifle is louder than a jet engine passing 100 feet above your head, but a bow is closer to city traffic or a Walkman at half volume.
3. Hunting with a Bow Uses a Different Skill Set
Bow hunting offers rifle hunters a change of pace. Those new to hunting may also prefer the challenge of learning how to hunt with a bow and arrow.
Rifle hunting and bowhunting both require patience, confidence, and a little bit of luck. However, bow hunting is often considered more challenging to master.
A Bow Requires You to Get Closer to Your Target
Good marksmanship with a rifle involves adjusting your sights and maintaining composure. With practice, you can easily hit a target at 100 to 200 yards. 100 to 200 yards is the average range for deer hunting with a rifle. However, using a bow and arrow requires you to get closer.
Decent archers can hit a 6-inch circle at 40 yards. Hunting from a shorter distance increases the difficulty level. You need to move silently or wait longer for your prey to get close enough.
An Arrow Requires Greater Precision Compared to a Bullet
Using an arrow instead of a bullet requires you to hit your mark. Grazing an animal or missing a vital organ may not stop or slow down the animal. If a bullet can cause more internal damage, this gives you a wider margin of error.
4. Using a Bow Helps Level the Playing Field
Using a bow and arrow levels the playing field, as it is more of a challenge to take down an animal with a bow and arrow than a rifle.
While a bow hunter may hit a target at 40 yards, you are more likely to need to get within 15 to 20 yards. The shorter distance helps level the playing field by giving the animal a chance to detect your presence.
Some People Consider Bow Hunting More Ethical
Some hunters adhere to an ethical approach to hunting. Ethical bowhunters do not use technology that would result in an unfair advantage to the hunter.
Ethical hunting also involves respect for the animals that you hunt. Some individuals find it more respectful to give prey a fair chance of survival.
Rifle hunters often take down their targets before the animals can react. Shooting a deer from 150 yards gives the hunter an almost unfair advantage.
5. Bow Hunting Comes with Lower Recurring Costs
You can start bow hunting or rifle hunting with a budget of just $300 to $500. A cheap compound bow with arrows may cost about the same as a decent rifle and ammo.
A high-end compound bow can cost over $2,000, while some of the best rifles cost closer to $1000. However, after the initial investment, bow hunting involves lower recurring costs.
Arrow Vanes Cost Less Compared to Bullets
Arrows can last a long time, but the vanes often need replacement. Yet, replacing arrow vanes is significantly lower than the cost of bullets for hunting and practice, which are only good for one use.
You May Avoid Paying to Access a Shooting Range
Becoming good at bow hunting or archery requires a lot of practice. If you decide to use a rifle, you may need to practice at a shooting range, which comes with extra costs.
In most counties, you can practice using a bow and arrow in your backyard. Some areas may require an ordinance officer to inspect your yard. However, you can typically practice from the comfort of your home.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that bow hunting provides more of a challenge than rifle hunting. It is a unique experience that may give greater satisfaction, as it levels the playing field and requires greater accuracy.
Bowhunting also gives you a more extended hunting season. If you want to hunt for more than just two weeks out of the year, bow hunting is a perfect choice.