I was faced with a similar problem... short draw and inability to draw much weight. I normally shoot in the mid 20# range, but sometimes up into the 30's. I hadn't previously bow hunted but last fall I got the chance and I wanted to see how the bows I build could do. I found out that Texas doesn't have a bow weight limit and arranged to try for pigs and javelina there. I built two bows for the effort, a 38# and a 42#. That was at my 25" draw.
As it worked out, the only pigs around seemed to be large and I opted not to try them at that weight. I'd been told that small ones would be fine, but the older ones develop a muscle shield that's hard to penetrate.
Anyway, I ended up concentrating on javelina. The secret turned out to be lots of practice in the month beforehand to build up my weight, so that I could handle the 42# bow OK. I couldn't shoot it for long practice sessions, but hunting doesn't work that way. I would go out and take maybe a dozen shots several times a day, from 8 to 18 yards. I ended up getting my javie with a pass through shot at about 10 yards. He was down and dead in 10 or 12 seconds.
One of the things that really helped me was that I made a foam javelina and practice on that, so I was real comfortable with knowing where the kill zone was and knew I could hit it within 15 yards. I just wouldn't take any longer shot.
I've since talked with numerous deer hunting folks who have told me that the same would apply to deer. Know the animal, practice within your sure range and resist any but a close shot. I might try for a deer this fall.
Your wife might enjoy or be encouraged by reading about my preparation and hunt. It's posted at:
http://oldpharttsarchery.com/shooting-adventures/bigbadwolf/bigbadwolf.html Tell her good luck from me.
Topic: Light draw weight hunters input please! (Read 232 times)
