Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
08-03-2006 | 08:36 AM
#11
Giant Nontypical
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,453
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From: North Lima Ohio & Clarion Pa
RE: Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
legal minimum in Ohio is 40#.
I know it may go against your grain, but until he can pull the 40 or more have you considered a crossbow (if legal in your state)?
I know it may go against your grain, but until he can pull the 40 or more have you considered a crossbow (if legal in your state)?
08-03-2006 | 10:20 AM
#12
Thread Starter
Spike
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 23
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From: Finksburg, MD
RE: Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
Thanks for all of the replies. The opinions are mixed, slightly moreopposition. Unfortunately, the bow adjusts draw length and poundage simultaneously. The length is perfect, so we need to wait till he grows before wecanmake adjustments. Regarding crossbows, he saved up for this bow on hisownand thinks highly ofit. Also, crossbows are seasonal in MD.
I sure hope someone chimes in who has first hand experience with low poundage. But thanks just the same for all of the responses.
I sure hope someone chimes in who has first hand experience with low poundage. But thanks just the same for all of the responses.
08-03-2006 | 11:00 AM
#13
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: harford county maryland
RE: Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
i live in maryland too and although the minimum is 30 i would say try to increase the draw weight as high as you can until the season starts. in april i started out with a draw weight of 38# and i'm already up to a weight of about 45#.
08-03-2006 | 11:15 AM
#15
Fork Horn
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 192
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From: Woodstock, MD
RE: Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
Please don't wound any of the deer in my parents back yard... They live in Finksburg as well. I hunt there sometimes.
Keep the deer at 20 yards and that would probably keep the kid out of trouble.
Keep the deer at 20 yards and that would probably keep the kid out of trouble.
08-03-2006 | 08:23 PM
#18
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,919
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From: Wilmington NC
RE: Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
i wouldnt trust it take him rabbit huntn with it right now and explain to him that the low poundage could wound the deer and you would not be able to find it and could die wait until next year or i started out a 50 lbs last year i am pullin 70 right now (FOOTBALL 
) but get him to do some simple exercises and he will be at a good poundage in no time 
) but get him to do some simple exercises and he will be at a good poundage in no time
08-03-2006 | 08:32 PM
#19
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,141
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From: Central Wisconsin
RE: Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
i would let him but only out to 20 yards, but he may get stronger by the summers end as well. i have heard of kids shooting and yes killing deer with 25 pound bows, u just gotta place the arrow in the right place and keep the heads sharp
08-04-2006 | 04:40 AM
#20
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,966
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From: Harford Co Maryland USA
RE: Is 32lbs. enough to hunt deer?
I'm also in MD. My son was right over the 30lb minimum when he first started bowhunting. It's pretty impressive how quickly the strngth of the young-un's increases. Even with just a pound or two a week, he'd be ready by the start of the season. But I see you would need a bow that allows for a seperate draw weight adjustment.
I would keep the shot distance limited to 20 and under and , even then, only when everything is perfect -- i.e.--shot angle, etc.
I would keep the shot distance limited to 20 and under and , even then, only when everything is perfect -- i.e.--shot angle, etc.