Have been following in this discussion for a bit and would like to wade in ..

I have been bowhunting for the better part of 35 years..and would hunt elephant with one given the opportunity..and feel it is, like Ben has mentioned, just as humane as any rifle...

Have taken over 30 deer, 8 elk, antelope, and bear..all with a bow..-I am not saying this in a bragging fashion but to merely add some credence to what I am stating..-As to hunting methods..have stalked, used tree stands, hidden in brush by a water hole, and yes..been in a blind along a feeding area once while hunting antelope...however for myself, the most productive and rewarding by far has been the spot and stalk method

Personally feel many comments made regarding this topic are made erroneously by those who have had little or no experience and therefore are not aware of the various hunting methods used with a bow and just how deadly they are..quite frankly, even after all this time I am still surprised at times...perfect example...the last elk I shot with a bow ran a bit,,however I cow called, he turned looked back at me --and fell..all in less than the 30 seconds discussed above.. In most cases, not all, but most ..in my experience..the game really doesn't know what happened and at times run a bit..look around..and if nothing spotted will go about their business --suddenly falling ..

In my lifetime I have seen much more game wounded with a rifle than a bow..however have also seen many more hunts with a rifle than bow ...sooo....

Guess my point is, given that if the individual does his job..ie; practices, gets close to his game and is sure of his shot...the odds are the kill will be as quick or quicker than with a rifle and actually not as tramatic on the game-- at the shot--they will not hear the loud boom, feel the dramatic hit..for those that have done a lot of bowhunting..you can relate to what I am saying..

The bull I mentioned above..once he dropped..I started field dressing him..while I was doing this, I had other bulls still bugling around me...within 150 yards and less..I got my bugle back out and let out a call..actually had a bull walk to within 30 yards --that would not have been the case had I used a firearm...

I also enjoy using a rifle and have used it more than a bow..however, again, having used both..agree mostly with all that Ben has stated.

Thank you
Ripp