gman1969

What is the recommended minimum amount of ft./lbs. for bowhunting deer and other big game in North America?

500 fps

http://www.bowsite.com/bowsite/featu...tion/index.cfm



This article contains a chart with some recommended standards, plus a liitle extra stuff.

BGfisher

I like the Bowsite story. I personally think too much is made of KE instead of trying to gain accuracy and arrow/ bow tuning to get the most momentum with what you got. To that end I've gotten complete passthroughs and driven 10" into the ground with as little as 39lbs/ft of energy. As the story says, "much ado about nothing". Lets qualify this and say on deer sized game.

bigbulls

With the proper broadheads, proper arrows and an accurate shooter you can easily take deer and other big game animals with very little KE.

Colorado's minimum draw weight to hunt elk is 35 pounds. Not a whole heck of a lot of energy being generated there especially it one is useing a long bow.

BTM

Accuracy is important, as is being able to pull your bow back when you're cold, tired, bundled up, and your heart is pounding.

As far as KE goes, a little extra sure helps in case Murphy strikes and your arrow runs into a rib, bone, or shoulder blade.