Decision: Archery vs. Firearm
One of the first options new hunters are forced to consider is whether to hunt with a...
- Firearm - rifle, shotgun, etc.
- Bow & Arrow (and in some cases, crossbow)
Your decision will affect how & when you apply for your deer permits, and where & when you’re ultimately able to hunt. Understand the legal and practical implications.
Let's weigh the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision.
Enjoy this open discussion between brothers Jon & Jake about their experience hunting with gun vs. bow, the benefits and challenges you might expect from either method, and why you may not have to choose just one.
For those of you considering a crossbow, we referred to a link around minute 18:30 of this video which you may find helpful.
Click above to be directed to the interactive map shown in the video. From there, you can click on the state in which you're planning to hunt and be guided directly to that state's Fish & Wildlife page to ensure you're getting reliable info.
Still not sure which route to take? Check out the blog post from Realtree below.
If you like the idea of hunting deer with a firearm but are tentative about having enough good land to hunt int the presence of too many other hunters, residing in one of the states on Realtree's "Great Gun Hunting States" may be enough to sway your decision.
Pop Quiz
Check your state's fish and game agency website; or better yet, give them a call. Depending what time of year you're starting this process, they may provide you with some insight that saves you time and avoids having to say "maybe next year."
If you're still having trouble deciding which path to choose after consulting your DNR, we propose the following question:
"Which of these can I envision practicing with on a regular basis?"
Next Steps
Decide whether to pursue using a firearm or archery equipment to harvest your first deer.
Your decision will influence how and when you apply for required permits, and may affect when and where you're able to hunt. We'll help you navigate these scenarios further in upcoming lessons.
First, you'll need to enroll in Hunter Ed. Move onto Lesson 2 for more information on Hunter Safety Courses.
Disclaimer
Except where expressly otherwise stated, Sportsman 101, its owners, personalities, guests or affiliates are not employees, members or agents of any government organization. Said company, owners, personalities, guests and affiliates are not registered attorneys or legal professionals, licensed physicians, or any other profession which would qualify them to provide legal, health or safety advice; especially when said advice contradicts the advice of any legal, health or safety professional.
The views, opinions, instruction and examples provided throughout this course are designed to make the research and learning processes easier and more accessible to every student. They are NOT substitutes for students doing their own research with regard to matters concerning the health, safety and legal compliance of themselves and/or any associated persons or property.
While the safety, well-being and good legal standing of its students and the people/property around them are the very top priorities of the company, neither Sportsman 101 LLC nor any of its owners, personalities, guests or affiliates will be held liable for damages resulting in physical, psychological, financial or legal harm to any student, person or property; even as a direct result of implementing instruction found in this course. Health, safety and legal compliance are the sole responsibility of the students themselves.
Sportsman 101 is not affiliated with any accredited school, high school, college, university or other higher education institution. By purchasing this course, students are not enrolled at a state or federally recognized institution. The lessons provided herein are for the personal enjoyment and enrichment of those who choose to complete them, and the examples and materials provided are strictly for illustrative purposes. These examples are not meant to construe actual laws or regulations in real time, as such laws and regulations vary widely by state, province, region and country; and all laws are subject to change. No example should be considered legal advice, even if said example illustrates a law, regulation, or common practice in your specific state, country or region. Do your research. Know the law.
This course and any other offered now or in the future from Sportsman 101 was designed to make outdoor recreation more accessible to more people by teaching them HOW TO LEARN about best practices, local regulations, etc. NOT by teaching students any specific practice, regulation, law, etc.
Sportsman 101 uses state- or region-specific examples to illustrate common practices and/or regulations as a means of assisting students who may not know what to expect or where to begin their research. The research process may often begin with information and/or examples found in this course, but it should never end here.
All questions pertaining to the health, safety or good legal standing of any student, associated person, entity or property should be directed to the appropriate professionals, including but not limited to: State resources such as websites, up-to-date print materials (hunting/trapping digest or handbook), or employees of Department of Fish & Game, Department of Fish & Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Parks & Wildlife or State Police; federal resources such as National Forest Service, National Park Service or Bureau of Land Management; legal resources such as a licensed attorney; and health resources such as a licensed medical professional.
Participating in outdoor recreation of any kind can pose legal, health and safety risks. Hunting is no exception, and often represents an even greater degree of challenges and risks. The responsible sportsman/woman is one who takes ownership for the safety and well-being of themselves and those around them.