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-   -   Can a 40 pound compound bow kill a deer? (https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/bowhunting/347701-can-40-pound-compound-bow-kill-deer.html)

johnnyHunts 08-04-2011 05:06 PM

Can a 40 pound compound bow kill a deer?
 
It's a youth model that I had long ago. I'm not a kid but I still have the bow. Just wondered if it would work.

Stonewall308 08-04-2011 05:27 PM

It might if you hit it in the perfect spot at less than 20 yards, but it would be unethical to try.

ManofTheFall 08-04-2011 05:44 PM

Here in Ohio the minimum draw weight is 40 pounds. I would have to say yes it can.

Kybuckhunter 08-04-2011 05:53 PM

100% yes. That will blow right threw a deer hit in the ribs as long as it's not to too far. Just keep the shot close and you will be fine.

BigDaddy12t 08-04-2011 06:23 PM

Yep, it will work fine.

bigbulls 08-04-2011 07:08 PM

Heck yes it would kill a deer and it certainly isn't unethical. The minimum to hunt here in Fl and AL is 35 pounds as well as Colorado to hunt elk and deer.

Murdy 08-04-2011 07:29 PM

Most states are 35 or 40 pound minimums. Most of us shooting 60+ are shooting rigs more appropriate for elk or bear. Yes, it will work fine.

minnesotadeer 08-04-2011 07:46 PM

Yes. Minnesota is 30# if I am not mistaken. I believe you could make a clean kill with that draw weight and an arrow tipped with a soup spoon, if and I emphasize if, the shot was placed well. That's the key, shot placement not an 80 pound draw weight and Rage broadheads.

houndsman12 08-04-2011 08:16 PM

Last hunting season my buddie shot his frist deer with a bow. 20yd's uphill with a 42 pound bow passed through both shoulder blades and you could fill the broadhead on the other side not broke through the skin. and that deer droped straigh down. and that that should anwser your question yes a 40 pound can kill a deer and the minimum amount in utah as many other states is 40lb

peakrut 08-05-2011 12:24 AM

Sure can buddy!

TURKEY FAN 08-05-2011 01:27 AM


Originally Posted by ManofTheFall (Post 3830416)
Here in Ohio the minimum draw weight is 40 pounds. I would have to say yes it can.

BINGO! Some states don't even require a limit on poundage for bows. Hell less than 40lbs can kill a deer with a fixed blade. In Alabama u can kill deer with a spear and I don't think a man could throw a spear much harder than that accurately

huntingkidPA 08-05-2011 04:05 AM

yes it can i killed 2 deer with my old youth bow at 40 lbs. complete pass through last year, if your bow it tuned yes. dont try anything over 20 yards would be my suggestion though

marquismarc 08-05-2011 04:45 AM

yes it can, I think they even make 35 pound bows for the small ladies.

fishinty 08-05-2011 05:20 PM

Yep I have seen people kill many animals with a 40 pound bow. use a cut on contact broadhead like a 2 blade magnus stinger.

janesburg 08-05-2011 06:36 PM

yes it can

mathews solo cam 08-06-2011 05:51 PM

sure can here in ohio the minumum is 40 ull b fine just dont shoot to far and u will b fine

lung_busta 08-07-2011 05:40 AM

yup, you'll b fine. 40 lbs is def enough to take out a deer! i would keep the shot within 20 yards tho, buuuut thats just me lol

Todd1700 08-07-2011 05:15 PM


Heck yes it would kill a deer and it certainly isn't unethical.
What he said. Just use a good cut on contact head like a Magnus Stinger and you will be fine.


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