I am not trying to start a debate, I am curious as to what levels of excitement and motivation people have for both. I personally do both and find it rewarding to do both, but have discussed with people as to why one vs the other. It's draw time for most of us and this came to me whileO my being able to pick one week in one or the other. It is still undecided for me.
To start it off, I will go with early season. The rut. In Colorado, and I realize other states have rut rifle hunts, archery (and a week of muzzleloader) hit the rut. Being close to an elk when it's worked up or seeking a mate brings them in close. I have a had elk at 5-10 yds. Calling an elk in (bill or cow) is extremely fun.
On the other part, rifle, and I realize this is a long range forum, is fun for me too. Finding the game, staring across a canyon, and closing the distance is exciting to me. Also the calming moment where you decide to squeeze the trigger and see the success from across the way is fun as well.
Me personally, I enjoy both. I am sure many others do to. If you picked one over the other, why? What makes us tick? Maybe share a good story why.
I like aspects of both, and honestly if I were to pick, I would lean archery. It's warmer (although sometimes HOT in Colorado), but the elk communicate. In rifle it's spot and stalk. I like the active communication piece. I will say I do rifle more, but archery feels more in your face and it's cool to have an animal at 5 yds or less, even if you don't shoot it.
To start it off, I will go with early season. The rut. In Colorado, and I realize other states have rut rifle hunts, archery (and a week of muzzleloader) hit the rut. Being close to an elk when it's worked up or seeking a mate brings them in close. I have a had elk at 5-10 yds. Calling an elk in (bill or cow) is extremely fun.
On the other part, rifle, and I realize this is a long range forum, is fun for me too. Finding the game, staring across a canyon, and closing the distance is exciting to me. Also the calming moment where you decide to squeeze the trigger and see the success from across the way is fun as well.
Me personally, I enjoy both. I am sure many others do to. If you picked one over the other, why? What makes us tick? Maybe share a good story why.
I like aspects of both, and honestly if I were to pick, I would lean archery. It's warmer (although sometimes HOT in Colorado), but the elk communicate. In rifle it's spot and stalk. I like the active communication piece. I will say I do rifle more, but archery feels more in your face and it's cool to have an animal at 5 yds or less, even if you don't shoot it.
Last edited: