Minimum Draw weight for hunting

[BuckRogers]

My girlfriend wants to get into bowhunting and I was wondering what draw weight her bow needs to have to be able to hunt deer with it. I dont want to be wounding any because the arrow isnt going fast enough. She is pretty damn strong. Thanks for any input.

[wingchaser_labs]

There has been a couple posts on this recently if you do a search. Check your state regulations to see if they have a minimum weight for hunting first. 35-40 is pleny to kill a deer out to 25 yards. That would be my minimum suggestion and most people feel about the same on here with those numbers from the last couple threads but some think it should be a little more. Just find out what her comfortable draw weight is and get a bow that will meet that and be able to be adjusted up from that because she will get stronger at pulling a bow the more she shoots. My guess is you will be buying a 40-50lber unless she is really strong and can pull 48-50lb with ease right now. Good luck. WCL

[fishintay]

I would recomend 40 to 50 pounds.

[Switchback_XT]

First check ur state regs
What bow we talkin about here? High end? Low end?
What are we tipping the arrows with? Expandables? fixed cut on contact? Fixed replaceable blades? some go in farther than others, some of the best are ones you would not expect.
what is the let off?
What yardage will she be hunting in? I have seen places where you could not bow hunt the entire place if you would not shoot farther than 30 yards, some you could not see past 20 yards.[&:]
Lots of deciding factors here. personally I had a Mathews Switchback XT at 80 lbs & 80% let off, it was way to much for 30 yard deer killin.[>:] I just really didn't like how it made me shake after a few min. of full draw so when ole dad wanted it I gave him it for his B-Day. Now I am looking for a Bow tech 82nd w/ the 50-60 lb limbs & high let off. Its fast at 350 IBO so at 50lbs & 80 % let off with 340 spine axis fmj's + my punny 28" draw I should still be really cookin. Some info suggests I will still be breaking the 300 mark.

[Phil from Maine]

The lowest draw wieght allowed here in the state of Me. is 35lbs. You need to check your state laws on this question to be sure of what is required there.