Check out this link for some good info on the general workings of a compound bow.

http://www.huntersfriend.com/bowselection.htm


There is more to it than how much poundage he can draw. It also matters what his draw length is and how effecient the bow is. If he is drawing anything above 24 or 25 inches that is plenty. I would suggest that you go a bit lower on poundage if it is a struggle for him at 55.

Also keep in mind it is easier to draw a bow that is the correct draw length. If he was trying to draw a bow back that was set at 29 inches and he only draws 26 or 27 inches it will be harder to draw because it doesn't fit him like it should.

If he didn't have much trouble drawing 55 lbs I would say get a bow with a draw range from 50 to 60 lbs and start him at 50 lbs. In time he may work up to 60 lbs and can max the bow out. That would be plenty to take deer with.

I would also suggest that he get the bow now, and hunt with it next year. My personal opinion is that it is way too close to the season to learn to shoot well enough to try and take game with it. Let him practice for a year and get to know the bow, maybe shoot some 3-D next summer. Then he will be more than confident when he enters the woods.

As far as power goes though, there are people shooting short draws and 40 lbs of draw weight and taking game. It all depends on how well the set up is, what kind of broad heads you use and where you put the arrow. Shot placement and distance is much more important than the amount of power your bow produces.

Good luck,
Paul