Archery vs Rifle Deer Season

Both archery and rifle season have their own set of advantages. Archery starts way before rifle season which makes quite a large difference when hunting deer. Depending on your state laws will dictate when the seasons start. Generally, archery starts some time in October, but it varies each year. The nice thing about archery is that its more subtle. Deer are not hearing loud gun shots going off like they do in rifle season. A hunter can learn deers patterns and use them to his advantage in archery. Many hunters attempt to use intelligence in the rifle season, but plans often fail. This is because deer usually have to take alternative patterns in order to avoid danger. So this can lead for even inexperienced hunters with low knowledge of the area to get a chance to harvest a deer. Not to say its not bad to know deers patterns, but these could be disrupted quite a bit in the rifle season. Archery season allows you to use scouting knowledge better than rifle season.

Archery is quite expensive on the other hand. Even after getting your regular hunting license, you will still need to purchase an archery license. A hunter also needs a good bow for him that is fit for him. They need one that they are able to pull back comfortably and one that is the right draw length. Compound bows are usually used, but some hunters like a challenge and use recurves or long bows. Buying arrows is another expense which will vary in price. Then arrows require broad heads to take down deer with. Of course, you have other things such as silencers,stabilizers, sight pins and other compound bow attachments. If you bought a new compound bow then it may have some of these on it.

Archery also requires more training. A hunter needs to be able to use proper from when shooting a bow. Rifles also require form, but bow form requires more practice to perfect. Form is very important in order for the arrow to fly correctly and avoid injury. Bad bow stance can lead the bow string hitting your arm. Many will say archery is more of a challenge and requires more skill then rifle season. This is true to an extent, but archery gives you that early advantage in which rifle season does not. Both archery and rifle have there own pros and cons.

PROS-

Season time

-Bow seasons usually last longer than rifle seasons. This will varie, but usually bow season is quite long and gives the hunter a good margin

Normal Deer Patterns

-Deer are not as spooked and will be on there normal patterns. This gives the hunter an advantage because he can use his scouting knowledge to find the deer and possibly ambush them.

CONS

Learning curve

Archery takes a lot of practice. This is not something someone can learn as quickly as shooting a rifle. Proper form is requires and all bows will shoot differently. Arrows and arrow points will also make a significant difference. Getting in close range is also a must!

Expensive

Archery is very expensive! The bows themselves cost 100s of dollars. Then you need to purchase arrow points and arrows. The license itself is also needed. A basic hunting license does not qualify you for archery.

PROS-

Longer Range

Rifles have better range than bows do. You won't have to worry about getting as close like you do in archery.

Cheaper generally

A gun will last longer than a bow will. Bows strings, arrows, and broad heads go bad. Its easier to get a bulk of ammo for a rifle as well. Past ammunition not used can be used for future years.

CONS-

Deer patterns disrupted

No matter how much scouting knowledge you have, the deers patterns will probably be screwed up. Deer are running for their lives because of loud shots going off constantly. They may go off a pattern and run into other hunters. This sometimes can be a disadvantage to the experienced hunters and an advantage to hunters who are less experienced. The ability to adapt to the rifle season is required rather than prier knowledge

Shorter Season time

Rifle season is also fairly short. This is mainly because of the large number of hunters and the use of rifles which offer longer range. This is a slight disadvantage cause you need to get out there within the time frame before its over. Its also recommended to be out there the first day cause this is when most hunters harvest deer. Your chances go way down after the first day or first couple of days...