30# draw legal in IL for deer

[Huntschool]

Dont know if everyone knew this but I was "cruising" the IL regs just the other day and found that 30# draw is now legal for deer in Illinois.  I dont know when it changed but it seems to me that it has been 45# forever.  Since arriving in IL in 1966, I have shot bows well over the 45# lower limit until a few years ago when I dropped down to 45#.   During that time I have paid no attention to these requirements.

I bring this up as a number of us older folks have gone down in weight due to lots of factors and poundage below 45# may help some folks.  I should also mention, with no malice, the current trad bows ain't you old Bear or Hoyt or Wing or, etc. etc.  Our bow builders have got a whole new set of info, materials, etc. with which to work as do the trad broadhead folks.

Just some info....

[SlowBowKing]

Don’t hunt IL, but just curious...does that mean the listed draw weight? I’m one of those short fellers with a draw in the 25” range.

[wingnut]

Wow, My grandson could hunt deer with his bow in IL.  He can hunt here too as we don't have a weight restriction.

As you can imagine his bow will do the job.  LOL

Mike

[Huntschool]

Don’t hunt IL, but just curious...does that mean the listed draw weight? I’m one of those short fellers with a draw in the 25” range.

 SlowBowKing:

My understanding is 30# at some place during the draw cycle.  I am going to go back and check it in a minute or so.  I'll cut and paste and/or copy word for word.

Here is a copy of the wording:  See the minimum arrow length also. I would take the 28" draw as the normal AMO listed draw

"A long, recurve or compound bow with a minimum pull of 30 pounds at some point within a 28-inch draw. Minimum arrow length is 20 inches.

[lem.]

Illinois is 30# min pull Wt.

[Huntschool]

Illinois is 30# min pull Wt.

lem:  I think that is what I said....

Thanks

[PICKNGRIN]

Iowa removed draw weight minimums from the regulations several years ago.

[Huntschool]

Wow, My grandson could hunt deer with his bow in IL.  He can hunt here too as we don't have a weight restriction.

As you can imagine his bow will do the job.  LOL

Mike

Mike:  yea I would expect those special limbs of yours on one of your ILF risers to be just the ticket for the boy....  LOL big time.

[Kelly]

Good to know as I plan on bowhunting IL soon and I shoot 35-40# bows.

FYI, 30# is also the minimum draw weight in Wisconsin and has been that way forever.

[Paul Fithian]

Indiana regs state:  The bow must have a pull of at least 35 pounds.

[Hot Hap]

This past year I hunted with a 40# @ 30" bow. So about 35# @ 28". The new regulations will be able to keep me in the woods for a while longer. I was going to give it up but I am good to go again now.

Hap