Rifle Hunting Vs. Archery Hunting

Each year in July hunters anxiously wait to find out if this is their year. The year that they get drawn for one of Arizona's big game hunts, and the weapon they will be using. In Arizona there are two main types of hunting. When examining big game hunting with a bow, and hunting with a rifle, one finds there are many differences in the preparation, and hunting techniques, you must use to have a successful hunt.

Before you go out on your big hunt the most important thing you must know is that if it is a rifle hunt, or an archery hunt. There are two totally different ways you must go about preparing for each type of hunt.

An archery hunt is the most difficult hunt. It requires a hunter to get closer to the animal for an accurate shot. With a standard hunting compound bow you can get an accurate shot within 75 yards, which requires you to take a few extra steps. First in preparing for the hunt it is strongly recommended that you scout the area in advance of your actual hunt. You will need to find out where the water holes, game paths and bedding grounds are. Some people like to use tree stands, which are stands placed high in trees, where hunters wait for their game to pass for a shot. When you return to the hunting grounds after your scouting trip, you will already know where the most logical place to find your animal, and a spot to place your tree stand if you decide to use one. When archery hunting, you must be a great deal more patient. You will spend most of your time sitting and waiting for an animal to pass. When you locate an animal it requires you to stalk it, to get a close shot. You must be sneaky and have all the right gear. Camouflage is a must when archery hunting. You are going to be getting close to the animal so you will need to blend in. You will also need a scent cover. All big game animals in Arizona have really good sense of smell. If you are up wind from an animal it will surely smell you. This is easily covered up with a scent block or the