Just wondering how many THFers bowhunt only? When do you put down the rifle? What made you decide?

Been bowhunting exclusively for about 6 years. I shot a doe with bow, then I shot a buck with my rifle the next year. After that I put the rifle down. It just didnt seem very exciting after taking one eith the bow.

I would like to say that I only use a bow to hunt, but I hunt various game animals. Deer(axis,whitetail,fallow, etc.),Javilina,Hogs, for the last 5 years BOW Only. All others...(squrrel,dove,quail,rabbit,etc.). ...rifle/shotgun.
A cousin that bow hunts first introduced me to bow hunting with his tails and adventers. Then about 2 years after that another cousin "took me by the hand" so-to-speak and help me pick out a Pawn Shop Bow. Fred Bear, case and a few arrows all for $80. I really didnt think I would be able to hit the broad side of a barn. To my supprise I was pretty good.
Now I really enjoy and love the sport.I was going to try quail hunting with a bow but I dont have the money for all the arrows and broadheads I would probably go thru.
Right now I shot a '06 BowTech Tribute and have about $1,200 invested into it. Not to mention the gear and what-not that you buy especially when bow hunting.
Good Luck and Safe Hunting !!!

I probably will never pick up a rifle again! This is my 3rd year bowhunting only, I just didnt feel that excitement anymore when I would harvest an animal with my rifle!

I hunt with both, depending on a variety of species and conditions.

lol sorry for the mix up. BIG GAME only.

i knew what you ment speedo.....just messin around.

I hunted with a shotgun while I lived in Iowa...then got into bowhunting while I was in college up there and I'll never shotgun/rifel hunt for deer again.

My first time in a tree, I had a doe walk right under my tree. She had no idea I was there....I was immediately hooked. I don't get that kind of adrenaline rush when shooting a deer from 300 yards away.

The sense of accomplishment is different with a bow but on a 7 day hunt in MO. I put the bow away after day 4 when it was obvious the deer movement patterns had changed significantly and there was not much of a chance of success that way. I did kill a nice 10 the last morning of my hunt and it was one of if not the best deer I've taken but it would have been sweeter with the bow. I've shot coyotes with my bow but I will continue to rifle hunt them. It's different here though where I have time on my side. I bow hunt exclusively for deer in Texas unless I have promised to help remove excess animals then I do what is right for the situation depending on the managers needs. Elk is a bowhunting thing too. It's tough but even a close encounter with the bow is a success. I love the smell of elk in the timber.
I'm close to being there though.

I shot my last deer with a rifle 8 years ago. I haven't picked a rifle since.

I was introduced to the stick & string by a friend of mine and it has been a curse ever since. Actually an obsesion. Like tirtypointer said. There`s nothing to match the adrenaline rush of being that close to an elusive animal for the final conflict. Might use a rifle if I was hunting in Afganistan though.

I got my first bow kill this year and I have no desire to pick up my rifle anymore. It was like taking my first deer all over again.

Just shot my first deer with a bow this year. I don't think I will ever go back. Like lonestar said the rush was back. I hunted rifle season with a bow and knew my chances were slim, especially in the panhandle where I hunted. It was well worth the effort though.

I hunt with just my bow at my hometown ranch in Monatague, but when I get out West where you never know whats going to be on the other side fo that canyon I take my gun. Still bow hunt out west, but have to take my bow because Ive had those times when you see Mr. Big a hundred yards or further away and he isnt coming towards you.

especially the way you shoot txbowhunter,lol just kidding i second that depends on where ,what and how much time i have

I saw you today, Roy.

I've been bow hunting only for about 12 years. I did pick up the rifle on a draw hunt at matador a few years back with my son. He killed a 140" buck and a couple hogs. I never fired a shot. Guns just don't excite me anymore after 25 bow kills. I'd rather kill a doe with a bow than a goode buck with a gun.

nah...was just passing by the donut store and there you were.

I've bowhunted exclusively for about 15 years now and don't plan on ever going back to rifle hunting. I'd rather sit in a tree all day watching deer (even if they are "just" out of range)than sit in a box stand and "shop" for my deer with a rifle. Nothing against rifle hunters but ,in my opinion, it just doesn't come ANYWHERE close to doing it with a bow.PRAISE TO THE MYSTICAL FLIGHT OF THE ARROW!