Minimum here is 40 pounds to hunt. You should go to a pro shop and let them help you out. Try a few different bows, even at the same poundage they feel different. Even if you try a high poundage bow and are able to pull it back, remember you want to practice. When you do, you don't want to get tired after 5 shots. Make sure you don't get something too heavy to practice with. Also, if you're sitting on stand in cold weather, that 60 pound bow feels like 75 after a couple hours of sitting. Make sure you get measured for draw length so whatever bow you getit will fit you. That's important. Shoot as many bows as you can in your price range and get the one that feels right to YOU. Good Luck!