Tag: bowhunting

There is a long-standing debate as to the best weapon of choice for elk hunting: the bow or the rifle. When you’re face to face with a 700-pound bull, you want to trust whatever weapon is at your side to get the job done. This is why we’ve compiled the top advantages and disadvantages of using a bow versus a rifle for elk hunting. We know there are plenty of crossbows and rifles for sale out there, and this list will help you choose what is best for your next hunt. 

Elk Bowhunting

Elk bowhunting is a challenging sport that requires a high skill level and countless hours of training. It takes not only time but also patience to perfect your archery skills to takedown a full-size, adult bull. Once you’re comfortable with a bow, however, elk hunting becomes an exhilarating test of skill and knowledge. After all, when you get the shot right, a bow’s take-down power is incomparable. 

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Advantages of Bowhunting

• Elk bowhunting seasons are usually quite a bit longer as compared to rifle hunting seasons. Bowhunting requires a high level of skill, so the season can afford to be longer while still maintaining a healthy elk population. 
• Depending on your location, you might have more opportunities to practice before your hunt. All you need is a private location, such as a backyard, with 50 yards or more of space. This is much easier than heading to the nearest gun range. 
• You have more opportunities for elk encounters when bowhunting. Many archery seasons align with elk’s breeding season, also known as the rut. Not only does this occur before the rifle season, but you’ll also be hunting when elks—especially large bulls—are at their most active. 

Disadvantages of Bowhunting

• There is no room for error and inaccuracies could lead to unethical practices. For example, a miscalculated shot with your bow might hit your target, but instead of a clean kill, you could leave a long-lasting wound. This defeats the purpose of a quick, one-shot takedown. 
• The range for bows is around 40 yards. This means you’ll have to get pretty close to your target for a successful, effective shot. 
• It is difficult to fire a bow while sitting or lying down. In order to fire effectively, you must keep a still and steady upper body when aiming and releasing your shot. This can be tiring, especially after walking miles tracking herds.

Elk Hunting with a Rifle

There’s nothing quite like scanning the horizon in hopes of finding an elk herd. The challenge of finding those worn-out, post-rut bulls is even more exciting. This is exactly what you get when experiencing elk hunting with a rifle. Hunters spend months perfecting their gear, searching for that perfect rifle for sale to add to their collection, just to take part in this experience. 

Advantages of Rifle Hunting

• It is less physically demanding to hunt elk with a rifle as compared to bowhunting. You can fire your rifle while sitting, standing, or even lying down. Further, you can take pressure off your body by utilizing the ground to steady yourself and your weapon. 
• Your range automatically increases with a rifle—by several hundred yards. Your rifle’s scope enables you to scan large areas of land at greater distances without moving a muscle. Additionally, you can take your shots from much farther away, which negates the need to spend extra time and energy tracking for a close-range shot. 
• Although precision and accuracy are important, a misfire or accidental shot is still more likely to take down a full-size elk as compared to misfiring a bow. Further, it is easier to take a quick follow-up shot to correct any mistakes for a clean, ethical takedown. 

Disadvantages of Rifle Hunting

• Hunting elk with a rifle might seem easier, and while it is great for beginners, it still takes time and consistency to perfect your shot. Shooting a rifle is not always an easy task, so it is important to spend time at the range before your hunt. 
• It is more popular to hunt elk with a rifle, so you will be at a disadvantage with crowds. Additionally, the season for hunting elk with a rifle is shorter than with a bow, which means you might not have as many opportunities to bring home your prized bull. 
• Although your range increases when shooting with a rifle, you don’t get to experience being up close and personal with the animals and environment. Hunting elk with rifles is a long-range experience. 

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What will your weapon be?

At the end of the day, a weapon is only as good as the hunter. While there are definitely advantages to both bow and rifle hunting, each has unique qualities that are fit for different shooters. It is important to find what hunting method is best suited for you—your price range, hunting style, location, and top preferences. To make the most of your hunt, spend quality time with your weapon of choice, learning its quirks and capabilities before you bring it into the wilderness. Then, check out your state’s laws concerning tagging limits, season duration, and more. 

Reliability and durability are key components whether you use a bow or hunting rifle, and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice high-quality weapons for low prices. That’s why GrabAGun gives shooters the best gun deals out there. Between our rugged crossbows, hunting accessories, and heavy-duty hunting rifles for sale, you’ll be able to find your next hunting companion for an unbeatable price. That way you can face your next elk hunt, ready and prepared to bring home a prize like never before. 

—Melissa Quist