If you are a conventional November deer hunter, or even if you have not yet hunted big game, consider bow hunting.

Although the November deer hunt still calls me when the leaves drop to the ground and the morning frost blankets the alders and rust-colored ferns, there is nothing quite like hunting with a bow.

Bow hunting, if done right, presents challenges unavailable to the November gun hunter. In a number of respects there is no margin for error. Safe, humane hunting with a bow requires skill, patience and practice. There is a simplicity and primitive quality to the bow hunt that will captivate the true hunter-gatherer.

In choices of bows, you have options: 1) traditional long bow 2) recurve bow 3) compound bow. In Maine, under some conditions, crossbows are legal; some bow hunting purists will argue that a crossbow is not really a true bow.

For the average newcomer, who wants to deer hunt with a bow, my recommendation is a compound bow. Today’s technology with compound bows is incredibly advanced. Nonetheless, the hunter is still pulling back and releasing an arrow. The technology, however refined, does not negate the need for shooting proficiency by the hunter. The challenge is still there.

Maine’s bow hunting season for deer is another reason to take up the bow. The seasons are relatively long and filled with opportunity. There is an expanded season in some urban areas of the state that stretch from early September to mid-December. The regular archery season for deer takes place in October. Under some conditions more than one deer can be taken with a bow. (Check your lawbook).

State law requires that all new bow hunters take and pass an archery safety course before an archery license can be issued. A special course is also required prior to applying for a special crossbow license. (Crossbow applicants must first enroll in a basic archery safety course.)

Class dates are available on the official website of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. (www.mefishwildlife.com)

The Old Town Archery Center and Pro Shop at 300 Maine St. in Old Town conducts these archery safety courses for the state on a regular basis. The shop can be reached at 1-888-827-9489. Its website is www.oldtownarcheryshop.com.

In fact, if you are new to archery with an interest in either recreational archery or bow hunting, the Old Town Archery Center and Pro Shop is a must visit. This shop has an extensive line of bows of every make and description, as well as a complete line of arrows and accessories. They offer an indoor shooting range and an outdoor 3-D target course.

The folks in the store, Ann and Bob, also offer technical advice and safety checks of bows at no cost.

Despite the simplicity of the bow hunt itself, there are some complex physics involved when it comes to safe and proper use of a modern bow. Bows must be tuned. Newly purchased bows should be fitted to the user. Proper matching of arrows and hunting broadheads will make all the difference when it comes to accuracy on the range.

In short, if you are new to archery, don’t try to wing it. Get professional advice. It will pay big dividends down the road.

The best bow hunters are those willing to put in their time. If that’s not you, stick with the rifle and the November hunt. However, if you are looking for a new hunting challenge and a longer deer season, consider a bow.

And, by the way, hunting aside, recreational archery is a fun family sport and a good way to develop upper body muscle and hand-eye coordination in youngsters who spend too much time on the couch with video games.

The author is editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal. He is also a Maine Guide, co-host of a weekly radio program “Maine Outdoors” heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on The Voice of Maine News-Talk Network (WVOM-FM 103.9, WCME-FM 96.7) and former information officer for the Maine Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. His e-mail address is paul@sportingjournal.com.

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