What is the lightest draw weight for deer hunting?

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rickyford2

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Hi i'm looking to start bow hunting at the end of 2008 and want to know what the lightest draw weight is that I can use and still kill deer I was looking to get a bow with a 50-60 draw weight.

This is the bow im looking at is this good to start with?
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s...r=96227&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults


Ricky

P.S.
I was just out tonight to see if there were any deer at this one stop where im going to be hunting and 18 deer came out in of the same place and in the first 8 deer a 6 point and a 10 point came out it got to dark to see the rest.:D
 
I use 70, but it is way more than you need. I also have a 60 pound bow that works great. 50 will do it if you put a good shot through the ribs. the advantage of higher poundage bows is that they have a flatter trajectory and will more often then not be able to bust a shoulder and take out the heart if your shot isn't perfect.

In Ct, a bow must be a t least 45 pounds to be legal.
 
Check your state requirements, then select a bow you can handle. Biggest mistake a bowhunter makes is "over-bowing." If you can't shoot it accurately, it's just sticks & string. I currently use a 60# longbow for both deer & elk; works just fine, but I'm very accurate with it within my imposed range limits. Used heavier compounds, but tired of lugging the weight around, tinkering with the bow & accessories, & realized I just plain enjoy shooting traditional equipment more. Have fun!
 
Check your state requirements, then select a bow you can handle. Biggest mistake a bowhunter makes is "over-bowing." If you can't shoot it accurately, it's just sticks & string. I currently use a 60# longbow for both deer & elk; works just fine, but I'm very accurate with it within my imposed range limits. Used heavier compounds, but tired of lugging the weight around, tinkering with the bow & accessories, & realized I just plain enjoy shooting traditional equipment more. Have fun!
Click to expand...


Thanks and I can shoot a 55 pound bow so I was going to get the 50-60 pound bow.


Ricky
 
60lbs is fine. I shoot a PSE G Force bow (old I know) using 27" Gold Tip carbon arrows and 100gr broadheads. The shots chronograph right at 300fps.
 
mine is set for 70 pounds, but state minimum is 45 here. check your local regs. i'd say anything above 50 would probably be perfectly ethical and legal for deer anywhere.
 
That looks like a fine hunting bow. It has a single cam and 80% let off
so once you get it drawn it should be real easy to handle.

Give the Bow Techs (Diamond archery) a look as well, alot of bow for
the money. They sell alot of them at Sportsmans wharehouse.

I shoot a Hoyt so I have to give them a nod and Reflex is their lower
end bow and that is what Chuck Adams shoots.

I think you will do fine to buy a new bow and get it fitted and tuned for you.
 
I killed several deer when I was younger with a PSE that had a 45# draw weight. You should be fine with a 50-60# bow. If it was me, I would get the bow now and practice my butt off between now and next season. Get ready for the biggest adrenaline rush in the woods. There is nothing like trying to get a shot at a deer that is close enough to see the whites of your eyes.

Just make sure you put alot of time slinging arrows at targets before you try a deer. Confidence in your ability to make a shot makes all the difference in the world. Good luck with your new endeavor.
 
By the way, when you start looking at broadheads you will realize that the number of choices is dizzying. I personally prefer a Muzzy Three Blade. They are tough as nails and razor sharp. They are also extremely accurate with my set up. You may also want to spend some additional money making your bow as quiet as possible. Bow felt is inexpensive and you can use it on and around your arrow rest. String silencers are also a smart investment. You'll alot of people bragging about how fast their bow is, but I would rather talk about how quiet mine is.
 
Thanks for all the advise.

I will get the bow as soon as I can and shoot shoot shoot until hunting time.



Ricky
 
A piece of advise on broadheads, I'd stay away from expandable broadheads if your drawing 60 lbs. Stick with fixed blades.
Click to expand...


I will not use them I can not trust them to open and they cost more.

But thanks for the advise.



Ricky
 
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"I will not use them I cant not trust them to open and they cost more."

You're on the right track. I've got a friend who swears by mechanicals, but I just plain don't trust them. If it doesn't open you may end up shooting the biggest deer of your life with what is essentially a field point.
 
If it doesn't open you may end up shooting the biggest deer of your life with what is essentially a field point.
Click to expand...

Do you know how mad:fire: you would be if that hapend to you.

Thats why I will not use them.:D



Ricky
 
Bows down to 30# draw weight will kill a large deer with the arrow passing completely through the body.
In fact, large bodied ungulates have been falling to archery tackle since flint knapping was the latest tech.
It ain't the bow. It's the human using it.

With the advent of rifle hunting, modern hunters replace a lot of skill with caliber and velocity of bullets.

Bowhunting demands that you develop your skill. Otherwise, you shouldn't even waste you time with it.
Commit to becoming a good archer and you'll enjoy hunting experiences most people these days read about and don't have the wherewithal to realize.

I've been bowhunting for nearly 25 years. I still get an adrenalin rush. It's the most wonderful thing I've ever done.

Enjoy yourself. And, practice, practice, practice.
 
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