I am looking to purchase a recurve sometime soon and was wondering what my minimun lbs draw I would need to shoot a deer would be. I have seen a lot for sale that have 40lbs draw and compared to my compound at 65 lets me believe that 40lbs might not be enough.

thanks for the help

Most states have a 40# minimum.Pa. is 35#.A well placed arrow off a 40# bow with a sharp broadhead will kill any deer you're likely to shoot at.

Jimpic,

thanks for the help, I did not know some states have a minimum for draw weight.

35#'s here in New York also. I'd say 40-45 punds should be fine for a first bow. Pleanty to kill a deer with the right arrow and broadheads.

I wouldn't be afraid to hunt deer with aproperly tuned, decent performing bow pulling #35. Your state minimum should be fine, as long as you do your part.

Chad

I've shot deer with draw weights ranging from 45# to 65#. Not a one died any quicker than the other. These days, I shoot 45# for just about everything, but I hunt primarily whitetail. If I was going after a bigger critter, say elk or black bear, I'd step up to 50-55# but that's me.

With a 40 lb. bow, it is critically important to shoot a razor sharp COC head. A G-5 Montec would be good. I might look even at a two blade broadhead - just to guarantee adequate penetration. Also a moderately heavy arrow with a high FOC.