Which is More Humane – Rifle Or Bow Hunting? 

When a game animal is wounded by a bullet, the exit wounds are generally larger than the entry wounds and result in a rapid drop in blood pressure. This brings the game down quickly. However, hunting with a bow requires more care. A hunter must know what is down range and what might be behind his target. If he misses a shot, he is still responsible for it. 

(Want to experience hunting in Namibia? Contact us today!)

 

Bow hunting 

While there is a debate about whether bow hunting is more humane than rifle hunting, one fact remains a constant. Ethical bowhunters choose their equipment with great care, waiting for a lethal shooting opportunity and ensuring that the animal dies quickly and humanely. This is why the practice is considered more humane than rifle hunting. It is also more enjoyable for the hunter. Bow hunters also prefer to use less aggressive techniques, which is especially important for the sake of safety and efficiency. 

Muzzle loader season 

You may be asking yourself whether it is better to hunt with a muzzle loader or with a rifle or bow. Ethical bowhunters use carefully selected equipment and wait for a lethal shooting opportunity, which ensures a quick and humane death for their quarry. There are many reasons to prefer hunting with a muzzle loader, but the most important is that it is more humane and environmentally friendly. 

Early archery season 

The first day of archery season is generally considered the best time to hunt deer. This is especially true if you are hunting before the season opens. This is the time of year when deer have not yet been accustomed to the presence of humans and are more likely to be ambushed. The best way to hunt during this time of year is to keep pressure to a minimum. You should plan your hunting strategy beforehand to avoid attracting too much attention to the area. It’s also a good idea to target well-trafficked areas. 

Chest shots 

The preferred shot placement is a chest shot, as it provides a larger target area and lessens the chances of wounding the animal. It’s also more humane, as the animal’s head is often unpredictable and could move suddenly, resulting in severe facial injury or a slow, painful death. However, chest shots aren’t always as effective as head shots. Regardless of the method of hunting you choose, the key is to learn where to aim. 

Painful death 

While many hunters believe that shooting a deer with a rifle or bow causes the most pain, there are a number of other factors that contribute to a painful death. A rifle or bow shot can result in bleeding that causes the animal to lose consciousness. An arrow in the liver may also result in bleeding and may cause a rapid or drawn out death depending on how many pulmonary vessels are damaged. An arrow in the stomach or abdominal organs can lead to peritonitis and can cause slow death.