bow shopping question?

[xjon]

looking to get into archery hunting, specifically for deer. Have a shop that is close to me and would like to shop with them. I went in to check them out and they seem to be very helpful however I don't know what I'm getting into so I don't know if they are really interested in helping me or just being salesmen.

A question popped up after the visit...What is the minimum draw weight for big game hunting (deer, pigs)? Salesman says he has his tuned to 40lbs and says the real question is how far do you want the arrow to go past the game.

PS I tried posting this in the bows and gear section but the create thread button opens an alaska guide page???

 

[Gspman]

Code 354 talks about 130yards minimum. It's not a # limit but a distance limit. I use 55lb. My son shoots 63lb. I'm sure some one has a better understanding of how lbs equates to distance.

 

[Lungpopper]

A lot of deer are killed with 45-50 pound recurves and longbows. Most modern 40 pound compound bows will give you quite a bit more kinetic energy than the trad style bows. So for deer that would be fine. For pigs I would opt for more power, something closer to 55-60.
The right way to pick out a bow is to shoot lots of different bows and find one that feels good when you shoot it.

 

[xjon]

Im going back to the shop in a couple days and test shoot some more. Today I tried a couple and one was 55 and the other around 45. I was having a hard time drawing the 55 after the 10th shot. I understand my muscles aren't used to it which the guy at the shop said we can start low and crank it up when I get conditioned.
Also, in regards to distance, I would like to know the appropriate kill distance. Im wouldn't try to take a long shot by any means. I would like to know that a 40# would go through a deer at a specific range say 40-60 yards.
Thanks for the replies guys.

 

[Forum Janitor]

It's just a banner for that forums sponsor. ALASKA GUIDE CREATIONS. the place to post a new thread is there. If you see something I'm missing screen shoot it for me please


Thanks

 

[Bonejour]

As LP implied, draw weight of 40# is adequate for most thin skinned game such as deer, but you probably won't kill a pig or an elk with it. Pigs need more kinetic energy to pierce the hide, and elk need more energy for deeper penetration into the vitals. You'll need to stalk much closer to the animal if you are hunting with a 40# bow. So unless you are a great stalker, work up to a 60# bow to be able to reach out to 50-60 yards from your stand or blind.
A major limitation for 40lb draw with deer is that your arrow will not fly as flat; i.e. the arrow will drop more quickly with a 40# bow than with 60# as your range increases. Hunting deer with a 40# bow, you'll want to be within 30 yards to take an ethical shot. With practice, as the salesman told you, you'll be able to get up to 50-60lbs. The cams allow let-off so that once you come to full draw you are not holding the full draw weight. For example, the Bowtech Carbon Knight has an 80% let-off. My 60lb Carbon Knight allows me to hold at just 12lbs or so once I've anchored.
The shop should be willing to help you (for free) as you dial up your draw weight. After-the-sale service is critical for you to make the most of it. Bow and Arrow Shop in Lakeside (San Diego County) and Performance Archery in San Diego are known for the way they teach and promote archery and how they treat their customers. If your local shop is like these small local shops, they make their living with after-sale service and support.
That's my two cents. Hope it helps.

 

[ilovesprig]

All preface this with I started late in life to bow hunting and I'm not in the same league as most these guys.....This is just what has worked for me and my 2 cents.

Jim at Willow Creek Archery (North San Diego Co.) was great at taking me through the steps of shooting & purchasing a bow.....Sold me a mid cost bow (G5) with all the bells and whistles (sight upgraded since). Coached me at 20 yds (he has an indoor range) and remembered quickly, I'm left eye dominant, despite being a right handed shooter....1st shots were 12" left....lol

The bow is set at 60 lbs.....All my shots on deer have passed thru except the 2 that were spined.....I personally don't like shots over 30 yds and both spine shots were at that distance.....I know most guys say to practice at longer distances to make the shorter distances feel easier.....I personally practice at 35 and closer at deer targets (Glendel buck).....It gives me the realization of shooting the animal itself.....I don't like shooting sitting down. So I bought a taller blind, shoot out of a tree stand, or stand behind trees.....One other tool that is absolutely necessary is a good range finder.....One more tip.....Range the trees, bushes, rocks, or whatever around you BEFORE the deer comes in.....You don't always have time to range at the moment of truth.

Lots to learn, lots to consider......Good luck


ps.....Couple other things.....I now shoot Grim Reapers 3 blade mechanicals, I shoot with camo gloves on, and switched from hard case to soft case (much easier to carry around in vehicles).

 

[Aeon]

Most new archers have trouble pulling their bow back. Unless you have a physical limitation you will go from 40 or 50 to 60 or 70 with out much work. It's more about how you pull than how strong you are. A modern 65 lb bow can kill most anything. The shops will have you start low so you build proper form then build as you learn.


I do not miss the old days, my hoyt spectra set at 84lbs with round wheels and a finger tab