Black bear/draw weight......

[robtattoo]

Assuming a 500gn arrow, a 31" drawlength & razor sharp broadhead: What would you suggest as minimum weight for a slightly reflexed, osage selfbow?
I'm working on a stave that has the potential to yield a bow way above my comfort level (90#+) but as this is my first bow, I'm sure it'll end up a little lighter than I'm hoping for. I'm aiming for something in the 50-55# range, but if I miss weight, do y'all reckon I'd get by at 40-45?

[killinstuff]

Might want to tape one of your knives to the end of your bow if it ends up around 40#'s is all I'll say.  But it might turn out to be a real fast bow at 40 too so who knows.  The speed of that 500 gr arrow is what's going to matter.

[Guru]

You'll be fine bud....with your draw length and a 500gr arrow they don't stand a chance!

[TOEJAMMER]

Rob,  When it comes to anything that can fight back, getting by doesn't instill confidence.

[Manitoba Stickflinger]

You'll be fine...even on a big one!!

[LB_hntr]

black bears are easy critters to put down. Lots of them killed with 40-45# bows and arrows much lighter.
Especially at a 31" draw. That is a huge power stroke on that arrow. i dont know how the calulations work but id guess that a 40# at your 31" draw would be like a 50# at my 25.5" draw becasue of the power stroke. That string and the limbs are with your arrow pushing it alot longer than mine is.
IMO penetration is all in the arrow make up, not the bow weight. make the right arrow and make it fly right and its game on!
 Congrats on making the selfbow. I hope you kill a bear with it. I imagine that is one heck of a feeling to kill an animal with a bow made by your own hands.

[FerretWYO]

Originally posted by Manitoba Stickflinger:
You'll be fine...even on a big one!!

I have killed three bears in the past. However if Ryan says your good I would put more trust in him than almost anyone on this forum buddy. Good luck on your hunt.

[Whip]

Bear ribs are easy to shoot through.  You'll blow right through if you can shoot where you should.  Don't worry about weight in the low 40's - just make sure you can shoot well with it and you be skinning a bear.

[Ken Taylor]

Absolutely no problem if your arrow is on route to the lungs via rib cage.

[D.Ellis]

Black bears are thin skinned and not hard to kill. If you put it in the ribcage with that draw length, arrow weight, and a sharp BH, you will be getting the skinning knife dirty. They have heavy bones. If you hit the shoulder knuckle with a 60# bow and heavy arrows, it still will not be enough. DAMHIK   :(   .
Darcy

[Hopewell Tom]

Don't know if this will have any bearing, but here in Nova Scotia, DNR requires 45# minimum at draw length for bears.

[zipper bowss]

40#@25"
 

I dont think you have anything to worry about