I've hunted with primitive/traditional bows for years now and I can tell you theres no harder way to gather venison. Short of running them down and stabbin them with a spear! In a SHTF situation you're gonna want the easiest, most affective,least likely to attract attention, method you can find. I would suggest a crossbow and a couple dozen bolts, a dozen good two blade broadheads and spare strings. Get the non-compound variety so when the string wears out you can replace it yourself without needing a bow press.
Crossbows can be found on craig's list and hoosier free ads. Horton safari is a good model and relatively inexpensive if bought used. Watch out forthe kinds that sell for $150 new. They won't last too long.
I actually am very against using a bow to hunt deer for regular hunting seasons
Why would you be against method of hunting that takes so much more skill, and practice?
Nah, it's just obvious you've never hunted with a bow. I run into this a lot, especially from folks who don't hunt at all.I've probably ticked off every bow hunter here,
The way i understand the idea that bow hunting takes more skill & practice is because you have to get closer to the animal because the range and power of a bow is very limited.
That's all very true. But how many do wait until the deer is less than 30 yds from them? Gun hunters don't have to gamble the wind won't swirl at the wrong moment, or that the deer see the movement of drawing the bow. I don't know many gun hunters who would wait for a deer to get very close, when they don't have to.You can hunt the same way, just as close with a rifle. It takes the same amount of skill to get close to an animal regardless of what weapon you bring to the table.
Each weapon requires a different skill set. To maximize hunter satisfaction (what the DNR places heavy emphasis on) and successful hunts, the seasons are separated out. Bowhunters are more successful when the woods are relatively quiet and the deer aren't as spooked by so many people in the woods shooting.and I wish the entire season was open for bows, shotguns, muzzleloaders & whatever.
My biggest problem with the bow is that how many deer are wounded instead of cleanly taken. It's absolutely unofficial but how many hunting shows do you see a deer drop on the spot from a bow? Most of the ones I've seen run off, or they "let it stiffen up over night".
For me, I feel a great deal of responsibility that if I'm going to kill an animal I owe it the courtesy of a quick clean kill to the best of my abilities regardless of what I think is the most fun weapon to hunt with. I don't let an animal suffer for minutes so I can brag about a one shot kill when I can ease the pain with another shot in a seconds time.
If you have hunted with a bow, you would know that it is harder. Drawing and holding a 70lb bow undetected and at the same time trying to relax and aim properly while your arm is shaking, is different than flicking off the safety of your firearm.
For me the range is 20-30 yrds. Thats where I am comfortable placing good shots.
Most bowhunters are practiced sportsman. Rarely does the guy buy the bow the week before season opener and go out and try to hunt. Cant say this for gun hunters can you.
Deer shot with an arrow die from bleeding to death. A bullet causes death by the shock of the bullet. Shots placed in the boiler all result in a quick death. All deer run even when heart shot with an arrow. You are misinformed.