Thinking about taking my board bow out...

[YosemiteSam]

I'm considering taking my board bow out for a hunt or two this year.  The major holdup in my decision is whether the bow is capable of delivering a pass-through.  I've got enough practice to know my limits with it.  But I haven't yet taken a shot at a deer with a bow so I'll ask for the experiences of the seasoned vets in the house.

The bow isn't anything special.  Just a paper-backed maple.  It draws about 40# at 26.5".  No reflex on the tips.  I don't have a chrony so I don't know what kind of speeds I'm getting.  It shoots faster than my 30# recurve but way slower than my 45# recurve.  If I had to guess, I'd say they're running at 150 fps but speeds are dropping fast past 20 yards.  Arrows weigh in around 480 grains & would be tipped with a 2-bladed Zwickey.  Shots would be limited to 15 yards or less.  Quarry is mule deer.

In your opinion, am I being overly cautious or should I stick to my 50# recurve & heavy arrows?

[Pat B]

If you can shoot your selfbow well there is no reason to not hunt with it. Put the arrow where it spoda go and the deer will die.

[monterey]

With a 15 yard limit you could go a bit heavier with the arrow and pick up more penetration.

[Orion]

Since you haven't yet killed a deer or even shot at one, best to take the bow you're most confident in, regardless of which it is.

[Cory Mattson]

Stick with your recurve and heavy arrows. You are not being overly cautious.  Great you built a bow - and these primitive bows are good hunting tools - but I'm preferring in the hands of experienced (tagged animals) bowhunter. I shot a few deer and hogs with an Osage selfbow I built long time ago - penetration was excellent but it pulls high 60s pounds and I used heavy maple and Hickory Shafts to build heavy arrows. My bow is a little under 140 fps. I like how quiet homemade bows are but I also like how MANY hunters who we have helped get started were successful taking game with recurves.

My opinion - Good Luck either way.
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[nineworlds9]

Originally posted by Orion:
Since you haven't yet killed a deer or even shot at one, best to take the bow you're most confident in, regardless of which it is.

^-----This.

[Sam McMichael]

Yes, your board bow will take a deer quite handily, but I would also suggest that you should use that bow in which you have the most confidence. Which one are you most accurate with?

[monterey]

Either way, take both bows just in case the board gives up the ghost.

[YosemiteSam]

Thank you for your responses.  As for accuracy, I am undoubtedly better with the recurve.  Whatever accuracy I can do with the board bow, I could do better at twice the distance with the recurve.  And lobbing a 630 gr arrow means I don't worry about penetration with that rig.  Sounds like I should stick with that for now.

It wasn't the answer I wanted to hear but that's why I asked.

[monterey]

That's why we're here, to dash dreams.