hunting with both a gun and bow

Question
Hey Charles, im from a small town in idaho and im doing a senior project on the differences of hunting with a gun versus a bow and i wanted to ask a expert. so if you could give me any info on my research topic i would really appreciate it alot. thank you

Answer
Hello Palmer.
  This is actually outside my expertise, but since I am proficient with both I will give you something to add to your research.
  Hunting is not just about going to the sporting goods store and picking up a firearm and ammunition, or a bow and arrows. It is a commitment to spend time outdoors and safely and effectively harvest a game animal.
  Let's start with an archery hunt. You have applied and received your hunting permit, so off you go to purchase your needed supplies. If this will be your first time in the field with a bow, this should be where you start. First, let's look at the bows. There are three types of bows, Long bow, Recurve and Compound. A 'purest' will go for the Long bow. A 'traditionalist', the Recurve. The great majority will be using the Compound. I will leave it up to you to describe the three. I will also let you explain the meanings of some of the terms I will be using. First, you need to match the draw weight of the bow to the type of game you will be shooting. Second, you will choose the correct draw length and the arrows to match. Broadheads are a matter of choice. There are all manner of accessories to consider. A string silencer, a peep sight and matching pegs, a bow string trigger release, camouflage, etc. Now head for the range. It is very important that you know your limitations as of distance, hold and release time, and bullseye.
  Now you are in the field. You will probably have already chosen a good game pathway and know when it is used. Since the maximum distance of a good kill shot is from 15 to 35 yards, you will most likely be concealed facing that trail. The wind will play an important part. Tree stands are favored for bow hunting. There is one word to describe a tree stand. UP! Therefore, you must use every safety device possible to KEEP YOU UP! Sounds like a lot of trouble to bow hunt, but the serenity of the outdoors cannot be better.
  Now, let's go on a firearm hunt. Depending on the game animal you are hunting, your choices of a firearm may be limited. Firearm brands are relative to your pocketbook. A good used $300 firearm (gunsmith approved) can be as efficient as a $1,000+ one. There are three major types of firearms used for hunting. Rifle, Shotgun and Handgun. These can be used for ranges from 50 feet over 500 yards. Choosing a rifle or shotgun includes the fit, or length from your shoulder to the trigger. This is usually a standard 14 inches. This can be modified, if need be. Handguns are a bit more like a Bow, in that they require a more stealthy hunt for close range. Your choice of one of these will depend on your skill level. Are you a 'traditionalist'? You will most likely use the open sights factory mounted on most guns. The large majority, however, will be using a telescopic sight, or scope of some magnification. Caliber of your firearm will depend upon the level of comfort you expect. They all have some re-coil, but the least re-coil usually comes with the smaller caliber gun. The majority of big game in your area will be taken with either a .243, .308 or .30-06caliber rifle with a scope mounted. This, too, must match your hunting location. Some locations throughout the lower 48 allow only Shotguns firing a single slug or buckshot. These are generally 12 gauge pump-action shotguns. Hand guns can also be fitted with a scope. If shooting big game, the usual caliber is .44 Magnum.
  So, as you can see, there are many factors to consider between Bow hunting and Firearm hunting. The NUMBER ONE objective is to make a ONE SHOT CLEAN KILL!!! This takes practice no matter what you hunt or what you hunt with.
  I did go on a bit, didn't I. I am a Hunters Education Instructor, and have also been a big game guide in Oklahoma,New Mexico and Colorado. I raised two younger brothers and one sister, including several of their friends and five grandchildren around firearms. They all enjoy the shooting range. I hope this will help fill in the voids of your report, and thank you very much for asking for me. Charles Gage