Oh this is such a fun question!
Bows are fun! Probably the most challenging out of all weapons obviously..
Then the 3O6... or .300
4 sure with the archery!!! Nothing like it! You may not harvest the amount of animals, but, you will probably see more... When it comes to special draw hunts and competing with other hunters that are using a rifle I will generally use my 300 win. mag for big game because of the knockdown power and I just customize the bullet grain to the thud I need.
I did however take down my antelope last year at a little over 400 yrds with my 22-250, 65 gr. bullet and he dropped like a rock.
Whatever you feel comfortable with being able to make a definite kill shot and having ample knockdown power... The key is shot placement, no matter what weapon you use!
Straight Shootin!
Great Post 'Big Time'! I totally agree!
I agree with flyingz and others about knowing your terrain and your abilities and so on.
I also agree with all the bowhunters here, and will probably spend much of this season shooting a vintage Bear Kodiak Magnum recurve.
Over the past 7 years, my gun of choice for all firearms deer seasons has been a Knight American 50 caliber muzzleloader. It was a gift, but I think at the time it cost around $200, with the shooter's kit. The newer offerings are surely easier to clean and use, but part of the charm for me is the takedown and cleanup. (I hate those commercials where the guy throws away his old gun when he sees how easy the other guy's gun cleans up! What a message!) I think a muzzleloader should be every kid's first deer gun, where permissible. It helps teach a lot of the lessons we ought to be teaching: about shot choice and placement, care for equipment, respect for tradition, etc.
Some potential worries:
What if I need a quick second shot? Answer: Hopefully, you shouldn't. If you do, you should be able to reload in less than 30 seconds. (Last year I shot 3 does in about 7 minutes on a management hunt. The first two dropped in their tracks, and the third went twenty yards.)
What if Buckzilla comes out at 200 yards? Answer: Watch him and enjoy it, because you may never see him again, and then maybe move your stand for the next day!
What if it rains? Answer: The new models have almost eliminated this worry. I use plastic wrap on my older model in the rain, and I have never had a misfire.
I should add that I just inherited a Remington 721 .270 after my grandfather-in-law passed on. He used it for many years and took many deer. As much as I love my more "primitive" arms, I may have to carry this gun a bit this Fall, for sentimental reasons.
Remember that guns don't kill deer, people do! Choose an effective weapon that matches your style.
Depends on where you hunt in Michigan. I live in the southern part which is shotgun only zone. I use a Remington 1187, with Hornady Super Sabot sst slugs. ( about a 6 inch drop at 200 yards!)