Bringing a bow hiking?

Okay, so was looking around and noticed that carrying a gun hiking was more trouble then it was worth, especially since it is not allowed in most national parks. so I hear. I on the other hand am still a little worried about running into dangerous critters(the last thing I want to deal with is getting rabies). So I thought, what about a bow and arrow or crossbow? ammunition is reusable and the odds of having a fatal accident are smaller. Does this sound like a good idea to anyone or should I just forget it?

bow and arrow are also illegal in parks
hiking stick can be pretty good weapon
or hand axe, machete, sheath knife, etc.
if you are that worried, I would suggest you go with experienced group
that will help your fears
have been hiking in GSMNP for years
one encounter with sow and piglets – they ran away
two encounters with bears – we left each other alone
two encounters with timber rattlers – they were very well behaved, one buzzed at me to ask that I not step on him
one encounter with bobcat – I scared him silly when he saw me
a couple of encounters with deer worried me more than anything – they were up close and in a bad mood while they were coming out of their velvet