Hello every body,
I have purchase a 40# bow and was wondering would it be big enough to
do the job at 20yrds

It would be capable with the right arrows and a good 2-blade broadhead,imo.The important thing with a set-up that light would be shot placement---there would be no room for error and i would suggest getting a heavier bow,but that's just my opinion.

I was thinking that 35# was the bottom end in most places. However, like Jsasker said I'd go a bit heavier if you can.

Welcome to the sport as well.

Are you pulling 40 pounds b/c you're a woman, young guy, or just anemic?

I'd also be looking at what your wieght limit's are for shooting wild game such as deer ,moose etc, etc I know 40# is too light for hunting moose with in Ont, but not sure what your requirement's might be where you are located.

nubo

You might want to check your local regs to see if 40 lbs is legal to start with. Secondly draw weight alone is not the only factor. What is your draw length and what type of bow is it?

Truthfully it doesn't take much to kill a deer if you have a well tuned set up and skill. And you may have to do some tracking as well. Don't expect a 40 lb bow to get a complete pass thru and drop the deer 10 yards from where you shot it. That is rather unrealistic goal.

Set up like you would with a traditional rig. Stay away from light arrows and use a 2 blade cut on contact head. And make sure the blades are WICKED sharp. Also make sure the bow is tuned the best it can be and that the arrows are as close to the correct spine as you can get them.

Then practice, practice, and practice some more. If you are going to shoot from a stand, practice from one.

Practice estimating range, or better yet range off a perimiter around your stand before hand. That way you know when the deer are within 20 yards, you won't have to guess. That rig will not allow for any errors in range estimation.

Shot placement is critical! Learn deer anotomy and where to put the arrow, then pracitce doing it. Also try to learn as much about deer body language as you can. Try to shoot them when they are relaxed and broad side. Always think about where the arrow will go, aim for an exit wound, even if you don't think you will get it. And don't take risky shots with that set up! They just won't work. If you don't feel 100 percent about the shot, don't drop the string. You will thank us later for that advice. It's hard to let them walk away, but it's harder to stick an arrow in one and not find it. Unless you have no compassion at all that is.

Keep your shots inside of 20 yards, and try not to make really close shots either. You know like where you are aiming right down on top of the deer. These are very hard to make and have a fairly low percentage of success in most cases. Practice them though if you get the chance.

Bow hunting is so much more than shooting a bow. Archery is only one part of it. That is an art and accomplished skill on it's own. Then you have to hone your hunting skills on top of it. Do some wind sprints in your yard until your heart is pumping hard and you are sweating and shaking. Then draw your bow and hold it for say 30 seconds, then try and shoot. It's not easy.

Of course you have to be good enough a hunter to get them within 20 yards to begin with. That's my biggest problem. I shoot pretty well, I'm just not that good of a hunter yet. I can't shoot what doesn't come into range or presents me with the right shot opertunity.

Also most bow hunters have slightly higher ethics then gun only hunters. Not always, but for the most part this is true. Expect to be held to a higher set of standards. Going out and just flinging arrows at deer will not be tolerated in most cases. Do the homework and practice. And don't be afraid to ask questions, no matter how stupid they are. We have some excellent hunters and archers here. They are here to share what they know and help others. Don't be afraid to take advantage of it.

Let us know what kind of bow you have and what your draw length is. This will give us a better idea. We may be able to help with your set up as well if you need it.

Good luck, and welcome to the forums.
Paul

I went to the bow shop and had it looked at and the bow is at 49# and the arrows i got are Easton 2018 @ 29"and the broadheads are three blades @75 gr. I have had the bow since Oct. and @ 20yrd.I can hit a area the size of a veggie can. Here in Arkansas if you were able to shoot more than 20 you would be bragging. The bow that i have is a Martin Firecat Pro series 4200. I am a guy that has a bad left shoulder and some days its hard just to wave at somebody.I have spent the last few months ready more material than I have ever thought about, and have visited all the sites that i can find about bows "PSE, Martin Mathews...etc." any help is good help.
don't think my feeling will get hurt the truth is the truth. I'm a real good guy if the shot isn't there than it might be tomorrow. I have a realy big hart if i do get a good shot i want it to be the right shot.
ANY MORE ADVISE YOU NEVER STOP LEARNIG
THANKS FOR THE HELP SO FAR

Paul pretty much nailed it on the head. Don

29 inches and 50 lbs is plenty for deer at that range. Just make sure the arrow goes where you want it to. You shouldn't have any trouble getting pass thru's with that either.

I don't have a clue about the bow, is it newer or an older model? I have an older martin cheata and that sucker is pretty fast actually. It's just no fun to draw back.

Paul

I looked it up on the MARTIN Web site it either a 97 or a 98 model. One of the main reason that i bought this bow was for the shape that it was in. I am the second owner and the other guy get it in good shape.



PAUL thank for all the good advice.