Thoughts on 36# for whitetail deer

[dragon rider]

Originally posted by mongoose:
Just thought I'd chime in     A lot of people keep repeating things about shot placement with such a light bow, but, the way I see it is...it don't matter whether you pull 35# or 90#, if You don't slice vitals you won't eat backstraps    

         

Great comment, and that's the essence of it.  As long as it's a legal weight for your state you can shoot any weight you are comfortable with and take deer - if you make a good shot.  If your shot's no good draw weight, foc etc. isn't going to fix it.

[Jake Fr]

i totally agree with  mongoose. my wife shoots a 38#er and it does great for her but she is very picky and things have to be just right for her to shoot. i have talked to a lot of ppl and they all said that back in the day it was unusual to have a fella shoot a 50lb bow and 45lbs was pushing it for most. i think that alot of thing like our egos get to us and we work hard at to be able to shoot a heaver bow, so every one should shoot that weight in our minds right.  i cant i like 45 to 55 lbs and that comfortable for me but my buddy hunts 40lbs and kills deer every year. its just what you feel most proficienc in using. im sure some buffalo some where died from a mid 30's lb bow some where some time. just take your time pick your spot and be choosy on your shot. and you'll be fine and if they jump the arrow and no hit at least you get to keep hunting right

[K.S.TRAPPER]

Originally posted by dnovo:
I don't normally chime in on these light bows threads but here goes anyway. I don't understand why any normal adult man can't work up in weight and shoot 50 lbs with ease. I think there are too many things to go wrong with that light of a weight in a hunting situation. I am currently shooting 53# and consider that to be a light bow. Shoot with regularity and build some muscle.

X2  

Tracy

[Hud]

I'll second what Tracy said. Physically challenged, or handicaped may have a good reason to shoot lighter equipment, but for most adults, if you feel strongly about hunting ethically, then you accept the responsibilty as well. If we can't then more states will be setting minimum bow weights, & arrow weights, etc.

[Ybuck]

Originally posted by dragon rider:
 

Originally posted by mongoose:
Just thought I'd chime in        A lot of people keep repeating things about shot placement with such a light bow, but, the way I see it is...it don't matter whether you pull 35# or 90#, if You don't slice vitals you won't eat backstraps      

               

Great comment, and that's the essence of it.  As long as it's a legal weight for your state you can shoot any weight you are comfortable with and take deer - if you make a good shot.  If your shot's no good draw weight, foc etc. isn't going to fix it. [/b]

exactly correct, period

[slivrslingr]

If you shoot that bow the best, use it.  Get close, be picky about your shots, use a razor sharp 2 blade BH, and make sure your arrows are perfectly tuned.  You're way better off shooting a light bow well and with confidence than shooting a heavier bow mediocre and without confidence.

[pdk25]

I don't have experience with bows of that weight. As many others have said, I am sure it can get the job done in the right circumstances. It is then up to you to be honest with yourself when hunting. Can you effectively hit the mark in a crosswind? How will that effect penetration? Angled elevated shots? My dad killed deer with his 38# grizzly when I was a kid, but I also remember him taking shots where the deer ran off with his arrow and were never recovered. I doubt you will get many light bow shooters to fess up to these situations. If you shoot that weight best, then shoot it if it is legal and within it's limitations. I just would not let this stop you from working up to shooting a slightly heavier weight just as well that would not be so marginal.  If you are not physically handicapped, it is just a matter of effort on your part. If you don't want to put that effort in, well, what can I say.

On the stu's arrow chart for a generic recurve with a 14 strand fast flight, it comes up with 152 fps with a 2215 with 145 grains up front, 157 with a 2213 with 160 up front, And 160 with a Bear Super K with a 2114 with 145 up front.  If his Quinn is in the same league as these, I don't see a problem.

[Fisherking73]

Interesting, 40lb minumum from my understanding down here in the sunshine state. I wonder if that applies to private land down here?

[Ground Hunter]

Fisherking

Generally, State Law is State Law - regardless of actual location.  A landowner could require a heavier bow on their land.  But not a lighter one.

[WESTBROOK]

I see you have a 40 & 45 pounder, you dont like those??

Eric