Minimum arrow speed at 500gr for deer.

[LittleBen]

Well the title says it all ... What do you think?

I'll assume everyone's opinion is "the most you can shoot accurately" so no need to go down that road. Gimme a number.

Thanks

[Bud B.]

I'd like to see 160s, but 140s would be my lowest, but, it all depends on your target medium as you test BH flight and the penetration you get there. If you shooting into a McKenzie block and getting 4-5" of penetration at 140 then you're good in my book. That would equate for a likely pass-thru on lungs/rib area when you add the lubrication from bodily fluids from the deer. Plus a razor sharp cut-on-contact two blade.

Hog, 150s minimum for me.

Shots need to be on ribs or smaller bones. No shoulder blades. No leg bones/elbows.

Just my humble 2 cents.

Hopefully you'll get others to jump in.

[wandering monk]

I think somewhere around the 150-160 fps (most modern 45-50 lb longbows fall into this category with dacron strings) area is a minimum...and this would be a 15-20 yard max shooting zone.

I know 140's will kill a deer, but usually not even close to a pass thru and any bone (even heavt ribs) can be a major impedement.JMHO...

bloodtrails with slower bows no matter how sharp the heads are not as good...

the 500 grain arrow will really drop off radically once you hit 20 yrds...the difference between 15 and 20 is noticeable...

native american bows shot pretty slow...and for sure they obviously killed plenty of game...but tracking their hit game was nothing that I would want to have to do regularly...I like a deer etc shot relaxed and not aware of me falling down in site with a well placed shot(both lungs)...at least that is my goal...borderline set ups only hurt game...and a good bowhunters conscience.

[JimB]

I think 140's would work fine.

I have a friend who shot a deer with a 40 lb bow and 600 gr arrow going 138 fps,hit the humerus,shattering it in 3 places,almost knocking the deer down and got full penetration and a short recovery.

Of course with these type setups,placement is very important.Set boundaries and work within them.You should be able to get two holes but I would want to stay off any heavy bone.

[LittleBen]

I apreciate the input from everyone so far! Thanks!

For the record, I'm shooting between 140 and 150FPS with my bows, usually around 40-45# @ 25" w/ 500grain-ish arrows.

I think I'll be hunting with the fastest and not the slowest of those bows though.

[Echatham]

i think this is a more appropriate question than "lightest draw weight"  interested to see what everyone thinks.

[L82HUNT]

Originally posted by wandering monk:


bloodtrails with slower bows no matter how sharp the heads are not as good...
.

Are you saying.   If you get 2 holes with same broadhead, same sharpness, same hit but 30 fps difference  you won't get as good of bloodtrail

[Biathlonman]

I'm thinking you're good anything north of 120...

[Bjorn]

You need enough to get through the second lung; on the ground it will be easier than from a tree. Position your stand as low as possible if hunting from a tree. On the ground with a well placed shot 135-140 should be fine with a 500 gn arrow.

I put a 420 grain cedar arrow with a 125 Grizzly completely through a 160 pound doe that was 9 feet uphill and 18 yards out with a 37 pound Hill with some rib contact. The arrow speed was perhaps a bit more, but I think the pounds of energy would be about the same. I have also witnessed a much more powerful compound shooting nearly straight down out of a tree stand, hit high ribs and completely stop the Muzzy tipped arrow.  I tried to help them find that deer but it was lost. With lower poundage a flat or up hill shot can give better penetration, but the broadhead choice and perfect arrow fight become even more important.

[Rob W.]

From my experinces you should be fine but I would stick with a Grizzly or similar head.


Rob

[wandering monk]

"Are you saying. If you get 2 holes with same broadhead, same sharpness, same hit but 30 fps difference you won't get as good of bloodtrail "

I am saying that in many  years of bowhunting...and shooting trad gear as long...yes...a broadside shot with a perfect access to both lungs between ribs at twenty yards a kids bow can most likely do the job...

but that does not happen all that much...does it??no...and preparing for something a bit more adverse is not only responsible...but sure does make life a lot simpler...

the fact that this question even comes up is because someone did not really have the experience to really figure out what was needed...and this is all good...its better I think to err on the side of penetration and accuracy more than just what  bow shoots an arrow at...

a 400 -500 grain arrow w/ a sharp head shot at 150-160 fps in my mind is a good starting point...and that is shooting at a range that is probably under 20 yards...

[JamesKerr]

You obviously need some arrow speed to launch the arrow but in my opinion anything from about 110 fps and above with that arrow weight will sail straight through a deers chest. I've shot and passed through around 11 or 12 deer with a 50# mild d/r longbow shooting a 550 grain arrow in the mid 140 fps area. My only complaint is that bows that are slower do give an animal that is spooky like whitetails more time to react than a bow that is more effecient and faster as long as both are QUIET. As you can tell though from probably reading this I like having my cake and eating it too. My vote goes for the bow that shoots a hunting weight arrow the fastest for you provided that it is dead QUIET.

[ranger 3]

Speed doesn't kill, sharp broadheads, shot placement,quiet bow ant the heaviest arrow and can shoot.

[Jim Picarelli]

Killed a buck a few years ago shooting around 145fps with a 520gr Sitka Spruce arrow tiped with a 125gr Zwickey Eskimo...shot through the near shoulder blade and needed a pliers to get the broadhead out out of the far blade