What do you hunt with, Bow, Rifle or Both
 

Im strictly rifle, how about the rest of you

99% bow

Neither.

I use a shot gun.

Used to hunt with a rifle exclusively, over the years went to a bow for early season opportunities. Quit for a decade and started shotgun hunting upland game and pheasants last fall.

BW

You should add primitive weapons like shotgun, muzzleloader, etc.. I strictly rifle hunt but have permission in Strathcona and will be hunting there with a shotgun this year.

Currently rifle only but maybe by 2018 I'll have a bow and enough practice to start!

I voted for both as I like to bow hunt, but not as much as rifle hunting. Some hunts I specifically use only my bow, other times I bring it and try a stalk if an opportunity presents itself. I love the feeling when the stars align and you got the game with your bow. I hate the feeling of not being able to finish a stalk or watching the game walk or run away at 70 or 90 yards. I never sit in a tree stand or designated blind, too boring for me. I like the challenge of a stalk, I usually bow hunt when I got some meat in the freezer and don't have to worry about if I spook anything. I have had many more successful hunts with my rifle cause it's easier.

Hunt both but I'm getting to like the bow hunting more all the time ... it's warmer out

There's been some cold hunting this year,i see your point

Bow hunter unless its coyote season

Bowhunt sept and oct. Then I use the rifle for whitetail time with my dad in November. It's an annual thing. All fun. I have found that I have more encounters with the bow. Might have something to do with the time put in too.

Past 4 years, 99% bow other than a trophy antelope hunt. Nothing against any method, I just choose Archery while I am still young and able enough to have success.

LC

Bow or gun
 

I wonder if this post has any connection with the the Alberta bow hunters association trying to get archery only seasons?

I doubt it I don't think the OP is a bow hunter and I doubt very much if a poll here would do anything anyway one way if the other
Cat

Use whatever is legal and is what I am feeling at the time.

No, not at all, Cat is correct. No deep dark secret here. Some guys said we should have a poll so i put it up. I dont pull any punches and say stuff straight up. No hidden agenda at all

Rifle. Centerfire and muzzleloader.

This

Hmmmm the poll is very favourable to both.
That actually kinda surprises me. I would have though an overwhelming number would be rifle only. I use both. No preference at this point. I love the idiosyncrasies of both. The challenge of getting close with the bow and also the patience required to filter deer till you're happy with the one you choose to shoot with a rifle. I'm not good enough yet to be choosy with my bow. That's coming one day...

I do both just so I have the opportunity to be out more. I cant say I've been successful with bow but it is a rush when your walking through the bush and all of a sudden your 10ft away from doe looking at you straight in the eyes! IVe only bow hunted for the past 3 seasons
November is damn near impossible to hunt with a bow as every critter is shell shocked and scared of their own shadow by then, plus ive always rifle hunt with the old man and buddies so its more of just time to be together and enjoy.

I archery hunt till November 1st then rifle comes out :) loosing interest in rifle though it's to easy

In that case... For deer Mostly my trusty longbow. Elk-rifle, moose- a little of both, gophers-mostly my bow.

rifle hunter
 

I strictly hunt with firearms these days. I used to use both to extend the season, but too many years of meat cutting has blown out my elbows. A short stint in the backyard of target shooting my bow, would mean a lot of days at work in pain.
I have nothing against the stick and string crowd, but I do acknowledge that with todays tackle, it hardly falls into the "primitive weapons" category. I see guys shooting and practicing out to 90 yards, and the success rate is much higher.

Because you practice that far doesn't mean you'd shoot at a living breathing animal at that distance. 50 yards max for me for hunting. Most likely you will only send one arrow and you'd better be 100% sure it will hit where you want it to after you release. Not to mention buck fever at play for many. I hope most guys would agree

Both. Bowhunting allows me to scout and know the land before they get driven off on Nov 1st. Bowhunting is more of a hobby,just enjoy being out there stalking game. Rifle season is when it actually gets serious to put some meat in the freezer.

Yup I practice at range but much prefer 30 and less for a hunting shot. Back in the day some big name archers took long shots...that hasn't changed.

I want to be capable and able to take a longer shot if I have already put a hole in something.

Personally not a fan of taking long bombs on game but I'll leave that up to the individual.

LC

If this poll were truly representative, there are twice as many bow hunters as rifle hunters. That doesn't feel right to me, and I'm not sure the license numbers would bear that out. Anyone got anything recent?

Maybe this poll is not accurate because the majority of the rifle hunters that people actually see are road and weekend warriors and I don't think they care to come on these forums. I'd like to think that the majority of AO forum users are the ethical hunters that actually like the outdoors and respect the game they hunt.

Sooooooooo rifle hunters are unethical? Care to rethink that one? LOL

Reading a little to much between the lines there I think OK.

Myself, I am a rifle hunter. I would really like to get into archery but haven't found the time as of yet (some day I will).

Now that's not what I said or meant. I meant the hunters that can't be bothered to get out of their vehicles to hunt are. Yes I know that there are some people who have limited mobility and have no other choice but to hunt in this manner. I was referring to the people who burn through farmers fields, without permission. That shoot from their vehicles....