Kinda depends on the area you hunt. Two years now I have filled my tag within 3 hours opening day, only to have my second tag go unfilled, lol. If you feel confident about hunting during the 4th season, go for it with your bow on 1, 2, or 3rd season. If you don't fill your tag take your gun out on the 4th season. WARNING, I took my first archery tom last year, now my shotgun is obsolete, cept for pheasants!!!! I will not go back to shotgun for spring birds, may pull out the recurve though, hehehe. I will scout this year and buy my tag when I know the toms are ready to be called. I'm guessing with the mild weather 1st season is going to be hot, but I'm no expert, that's just my guess.