I'm new to bowhunting, this being my first year out. I have been shooting for several months with both my compound and my recurve. I am finding i get a lot more satisfaction from shooting my recurve. I am currently shooting a Darton Ranger that was given to me by a friend who had it laying around for several years. The bow is 58", 44# and I have a 29" draw. I am getting fairly accurate from 10 to 30 yards. I would like to use my recurve on a few hunts this season when I'm sure my accuracy is where it needs to be, but I'm not sure if this bow is strong enough to hunt deer. I am shooting a 2016 aluminum arrow and could use some help on broadhead size. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
If the bow is 44# @ 28", you are actually pulling about 46#+. With aluminum arrows and 2 blade cut on impact broadheads, I think you will be fine with proper arrow placement. I'm shooting 45# with Gold Tips and will keep my shooting to within 20 yards.
Dick
Dick's right that you're pulling more the 44#, and that it's adequate. Most states' set their minimum draw weight at 40#. If you put the arrow where it belongs with a sharp broadhead, it'll work fine. Happy hunting.
cant agree more with what is said already, but one of the most important factors taken for granted and not spoken much of, is making sure you have PERFECT arrow flight. Any wobble at all will GREATLY impeed penetration! Go gettem....
dathein- your recurve is just right and your 2016s will do just fine. I've used Zwickey(2blade) 125grnEskimos on 2018s for over thirty years and they have performed flawlessly.
Our measurement of accuracy has always been to keep your arrows in a paper plate at 25-30yds- you're good to go- go stick one <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
The bow will do fine as long as you aren't pulling less than the stated weight, are getting excellent arrow flight, you know what to do to place the arrow into the vitals, have properly matched arrows and razor sharp broadheads.
Have you had your draw measured with the bow? If your draw is 29" with the compound, you may only be pulling 27-28" with the curve. Have you had the bow weighed at your draw? You may or may not be pulling the weight you think you are. Have you had someone check the bow over for possible delamination and cracks? If not, it might be a good idea. Have it checked for twisted limbs too. Broadheads do not always fly where you want them to. If your season is rapidly approaching and you havn't been shooting broadheads from your bow, you might be disappointed in your ability to place one into the vitals.
I gotta tell you, I wasn't anywhere near being ready to hunt with my first recurve after a few or even several months of steady practice with the bow. After about 9 months of practice, I took to hunting small game like rabbits and squirrels and by the time the next deer season came along several months later, I considered myself good enough and had the confidence to place the arrow where it needed to go.
Everyone here can tell you that in the heat of the hunt, things aren't always as they appear to be and a supposedly properly executed shot can turn to doodoo in a heartbeat. For this reason, I think we owe it to ourselves, hunting and the animals that we pursue, to be the best hunter and shot we can be. So, if you aren't absolutely sure that you can place an arrow into the vitals of your prey, then hold off a season and give it a try next year.
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Make em sharp and shoot em straight, or leave em home.
Thanks for all the info. I have had the bow checked and was told it was in good shape. I haven't had it weighed at my draw yet and will do that on Mon.
I will definitely be out this season with my compound, but will not go out with my curve until my accuracy is on par. I owe at least that much respect and more to the animals I hunt. Thanks again for all the info.
I have Rick Welch's Hunting Arkansas Whitetails video.
A friend of Rick's uses a 43# recurve Rick built for him and has no trouble taking deer.
Actually, I was quite impressed with how effectively he took those deer.
Is my 44# recurve strong enough to hunt??
