Do you need more then #50?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

In a lot of states, including Oregon, there is a 50# minimum draw weight for elk. After all the elk i've taken myself, and seen taken, with a wide variety of archery equipment, i have to agree with it........

Oh sure.... you can most likely kill an elk with a 35# bow if the shot placement is perfect, and you slip between the ribs. But i honestly think you shouldn't be hunting elk or moose with less than 50#'s and be responsible about it. I've seen my share of elk lost to much higher draw weights just by glancing off a rib bone wrong....

Bottom line is that it's a personal decision. Every pound of weight you can add to your draw weight comfortably without effecting your marksmanship, adds to your potential success. Too many things can, and will happen in hunting that a little extra power in that arrow might make the difference between loosing an animal, or putting it in the freezer....... I don't think its a macho thing at all.  I like that expression "A 50# bow is like the 30-30 rifle to fire arm hunting." it will get the job done just fine, but is lacking in respect.

[K.S.TRAPPER]

X2, well said Kirk    

I'm surprised any state would let someone hunt elk or moose with such a light poundage. Just don't get it why take the chance, I've gutted and processed my elk never hunted moose but processed cattle before. There's a lot of difference between a whitetail and a elk just saying. Nope, don't get it a all      

Tracy

[Kris]

There is never anything wrong with heavier for sure, however, 50 pounds will get the job done in most cases.  Consider every part of your equipment, especially arrows i.e. FoC, Total arrow weight, inserts, outsert, broadhead design, shaft integrity, BH sharpness and perfect flight.

No amount of draw weight can make up for poor shot placement.  There are many components to archery lethality, you must consider them all to be successful; bow draw weight is just one variable.

Kris

[Benny Nganabbarru]

Yep, I need more than 50#.

[tzolk]

I'm a 55@30 guy with 10 gpp arrow now. Used to be a 60-61@30 but it hurts my shoulder. I'm good with 50-55@30.

[LBR]

Good point.  55@30 will do as well or better than 65@25.  Depending on the bows being compared, 55@30 may provide better performance than 75@25.

Lots of variables to consider other than draw weight.  Minimum draw weights should cover the worst performing bows.  

Make a lousy shot, you will loose a squirrel even if you are pulling 100#.  Way back when I didn't know any better, I shot and lost rabbits pulling 82#.  More poundage won't fix bad shot placement.

[Bowwild]

At my draw I'm settled on bows with draw weights of 45-50# -- mostly around 47#.  I'm satisfied that this will work just fine, given my conservative shot selection, on anything in North America (where less than 50# is legal).

I have come to the realization that Cape Buffalo are not in my future. Not because I don't want to punish myself trying to get to 60#+ but because my coin jar isn't big enough.

[LBR]

Yeah...had that dream as well.  Might still happen, but there's going to have to be a winning lottery ticket in my future...