Is it enough......

[Tree man]

Mr. Carroll, I have no quarrel with advising people to seek close shots-that is part of the excitement of bowhunting. I hunt with a man who considers 18 yards the absolute outer limit of his range. I personally try to keep my shots inside 20. My little rant was due to a recurring pattern of people pulling out range numbers-usually an outer limit of 20 yards- when "okaying" lighter draw weight bows. Even in your explanation  above you bring up  his draw weight and hitting a rib as an explanation of your range qualification. I maintain based upon experience, that a straight flying arrow that cuts a rib at 20 yards  will also cut it at 21 yards (or 40). Bowhunting is a close range sport. That is its nature. However, the frequent implication is that while it might be okay to shoot at a deer at 35 yards with a 55 pound bow if you are an excellent shot it is irresponsible to do so with a 45 pound bow. Sorry, the shot  might be irresponsible or responsible depending upon situation but the drawweight isn't the issue.

[L. E. Carroll]

Sorry, and I'm also not trying to sight your thinking however, draw weight and penatration do in my opinion go hand in hand.  I'm basing my opinion of the fact that if draw wt. was not important, then why do several Weastern states require more draw wt. for Elk than for deer?

I know for a fact that, I personally would never hunt a Buff "Down Under" with a 40-45lb bow. Those suckers have Real Hard ribs!! Therefore requiring a higher draw wt. producing more energy to try and insure a quick clean kill. Especially, in the event that a rib or other bone is incountered while trying to do so.  I would again try and limit my shot to less than 20yds. [hoping I could do it with the "Load" I would probably be caring in the back of my pants about that time].  

[Travisc406]

thanx for all the advise guys I am gonna go for it. I shoot very accurate to 40 yards with this bow BUT I am only shooting up to 20 because to many things can happen past 20 for an arrow moving as slow as this bow is sending them out there. Just my own thoughts.