Bow vs. Rifle

I have been lucky to have a father that is skilled at both rifle and bow hunting. I first learned to shoot a rifle, then a bow a few years later.My .7mm-08 rifle (Morticia) has served me well over the 5 or 6 years I have been using her. She is responsible for all my kills, except one deer.

Gun

• either hit or miss 
• you can shoot again if you missed 
• requires a lot less physical strength 
• packs a more powerful punch 
• can hit the animal from a much farther distance 
• doesn’t require a lot of tracking 

My compound bow.... that I have yet to name... has taken down one deer in the one season I used it. Though I have been shooting a bow for a few years, last year was the first time I used it in the field.

Bow

• felt a lot closer to nature 
• walked through the forest 
• requires more physical strength 
• quiet kill 
• usually requires tracking 
• within 30 yards of the animal 

In my opinion the bow is more difficult to shoot, but I really enjoy it. Both methods have their benefits and disadvantages, and both are very enjoyable. What tips the scale for me is the intimate factor with a bow. I am happiest when I am walking through the woods, and it feels more natural.