When I am deer hunting, I am archery only. My 11 year old son just switched from his 22-250 to a crossbow this year. I only bring out the thunderstick during the summer for hog hunting. When the hogs are thick, I bow hunt, but if I am hunting smaller packs of pics or big lone boars, I use a rifle, the big boars will come down wind every time and bust you. For me hunting with a bow is so much more exciting.