Forgot to mention, I recommended Bolar's Oathblade because it ceases to exist after Hircine sends you to the grotto.  So if you like collecting uniques as I do, then that helps avoid missing out.

I guess if you stunlock an enemy into submission the way he does in his build, but I don't see it being viable on any difficulty higher than Apprentice otherwise.

Okay, that makes more sense. One other question though: if you aren't using magic and no weapon enchanted with Soul Trap, how are you getting souls to recharge your enchanted bows?

You just need to keep looting/buying charged gems, which helps keep money more viable.  Of course, after a bit of smithing and skill gaining, the extra animal damage does become moot except for only the strongest of beasts like Snow/Cave Bears and Snow Sabre Cats. 

That's the point where switching out to Glass Bow of the Stag Prince, or forging a Nordic Carved bow is a fair idea.

After having done a playthrough using enchanted weapons but not Azura's Star/The Black Star, the notion of not even being able to trap my own souls seems extremely inconvenient, but I guess that works.

I like the ideas of "capping" the build with low equipment and perks. I'm doing this with my current char and it is very fun.

Are you playing it on master? I still have to run from bears in lvl 22 but I'm liking the sense of weakness, it makes it clear how dangerous Skyrim is for the regular folks.

+1 

Been nothing but Master for over a year now.  And I agree, you dread running into a cave bear or troll without being prepared.  You either have to know your limits and run (no shame in it since you're not a warrior), go lupine, or resort to strategy like dagger bash lock or utilizing the environment. 

Of course, enemies love running to cover when you perch on a safe spot, but at least it gives you time to compose yourself.

That's nice! Have you tried fighting dragons, draugr overlords and such? I intend to complete the main quest with a build like this , but resorting to the powers the game gives you like shouts, black book powers, All-maker stones and magic artifacts. With more powerful builds we end up not using them because it is easier to swing a 2 handed anyway...

I actually prefer to never start the Main Quest with this guy, since I feel dragons flying around spoils the "natural" state of the world for a pure hunter.  Of course, for the sake of some elements, I have made the exception before, and he CAN manage decently (dragons vs bows are always a good match).  The main abilities I would suggest are the Beast Stone from Solstheim, Detect Life, Throw Voice, Kyne's Peace, and Animal Command shouts.

It is viable, I only ever play on master, and i always distribute 0-1-2, if your good enough with a bow you don't even need to worry about close quarters combat.