Favorite hunting weight?

[JL]

All of my hunting bows range between 45 and 52# in draw. I don't need anything more then that to get the job done.

JL

[ron w]

46-49# at 29".......because I like it. I can shoot more poundage...a lot more, but I don't shoot it well. The heavier I go target panic raises it's ugly head so I keep it in that range. Plus you really don't need any more than that for the shots I would take!

[robtattoo]

66# for me. It just seems to be the magic number for some reason. I think 4 out of the 6 bows I shoot end up being 66@31½" either by luck, design or  bit of stack!

[David Mitchell]

Momentum produced by your set up is more determinative than draw weight.  I have bows that produce more energy/momentum than other bows I have that have 5# heavier draw.  It seems we always talk about draw weight when it is energy/momentum that means penetration.

[iohkus]

Yep, cold weather IS a consideration! I only hunt whitetails and am waiting on a new Sasquatch @ 44#  

[rick7]

45-50lbs for me

[LongbowArchitect]

55-60# @ 29" for me.  625 grain arrows.

[Archie]

I shooot my 48-pounder bettter than my 69-pounder, but shoot both well.  The lighter one is so easy to shoot that I may be developing bad habits.  I have coughed at full draw and moved to cover my mouth with my drawing hand -- still at full draw -- without thinking!  I think that 55-58# would be ideal for me, but it means buying another bow.

[M Sights]

50 -55lbs @ 29"

[stujay]

#40-45. I get good cast in this weight range with both of my bows.

[sweeney3]

40 to 50ish, depending on the bow.  I can shoot heavier, but not as well.  As my hunts are limited mostly to whitetails (and little ones at that) and assorted small game, I feel fine with what I use.  On the off chance that I ever arrange a larger animal hunt, I'll do the heavy lifting to shoot a heavier bow.

[dnovo]

I am shooting 53# these days. I have another couple bows I switch to occasionally at 52# and 57#.  I shot 64-66# for many years, but construction work has taken its toll on my shoulders. Shooting a bow actually helps with that, but I think the 53# will do anything I need it too.

[ksbowman]

53#-64# depending on which bow I pickup. I really like the heavier weights because they shoot so flat.

[moleman]

Usually in the neighborhood of 70 lbs plus or minus depending on what i grab. I dont advocate heavy bows for everyone, shoot a poundage that you shoot well, and shoot comfortably. A well placed arrow from 45 lbs is far better than a poor shot from 75 lbs. if you cant control it.  

[Hit-or-Miss]

50#. My 1968 Kodiak Hunter in 50# is about perfect for anything I care to hunt in the lower 48 States. Although I do on occassion hunt with 60# to 65# recurves, 50# (even at 29.5"), feels easier to pull on a cold morning, after being in a treestand for a few hours. And with a razor sharp arrow, in the boiler room of a deer or hog at under 20 yards, I doubt there is much, if any difference between a 50# and a 65# bow. IIf I get drawn on the Moose Lottery this year, there is a good chance I'll take a 50# recurve along.

[joe skipp]

With today's designs and materials....my bows range from 52/55/57/58#....don't need anymore weight for anything that walks this planet.

[hardtimes]

I will use longbows from 45 to 64# depending on what I grab. With that being said I only hunt whitetail and small game. 50# is all you need. I like heavy arrows and sharp heads  

[Sam McMichael]

My go to bow and its backup are both HH bows at 65#. That's the max that I can still handle well.  I used to hunt with a 78# Bamboo Longhunter, but now its too much work to stay conditioned well enough to handle it properly, getting old I guess.

I am actually spending a lot of time lately with my 4 bows in the 50 - 59# range. As I said, I'm getting older by the day. Besides, you guys are absolutely right when you say heavy draw weight is not necessary.

[Terry Lightle]

I shoot 49 after years of 63#

[Wapiti Chaser]

I get my best release around 56-60 lbs.