Yes 35 lbs will take out any deer with a clean shot preferably one to the organs. Max distance would be 15 yards to get decent penetration, Took out my first buck with a 35 lbs recurve straight through the front quarter went in about 10 inches catching the top of the heart and a small section of lung. The deer ran almost 75 yards before it bled out so be prepared to track one if you get the chance. Good luck