RE: Minimum KE for deer hunting?
I think most states require a 40lb min on the bow to be legal to hunt with, so that would be the first thing I would into. As far as KE goes, they say 40lbs is need for pass thrus, but that would not be required to kill a deer. I think it would be really hard for you to get a bow that could produce 40 foot pounds with a 25-26 DL and 40lbs DW. My oldest bow killed his first deer with a youth bow set at 26" DL, 41lbs DW and was producing something like 27 foot pounds. I limited him to 25 yards and in and had him shoot a fixed blade BH that was cut on contact. His deer did not go but about 45 yards after the shot (double lung), the BH came out the other side, but it was not a complete pass thru, but did the job real fine. I hope that helps you.