So what is the optimal draw weight for hunting?

Clearly it will vary from person to person but should it be the highest weight you can shoot accurately....but for how long....I shot a friends bow @ 60 lbs...was accurate for some 20 shots then clearly got fatigued...however it did seem to shoot better at longer distances than my 45 lb bow...faster and flatter...more punch.

That experience has me thinking I should move up in draw weight.

I relize this question is poorly formulated but hope folks get my drift....

I was thinkin the same thing. I have an old 44# recurve and i shot my buddies 55# and it obviously shot harder and it looked fast enough to kill a deer, so thats all that matters to me.

There is more to consider than draw weight when deciding on the type of equipment to use when hunting deer. Whatever your choice you should be able to consistantly maintain form and therefore accuracy. The only way I know to become a better shot is alot of practice, but while practicing good form. Once good form is established and relative accuracy, then you can challenge yourself with longer shots. It's important to know your effective range, no matter the equipment.

Jim

If you are asking for white tails, I would say 45-55 pounds. Once again, it would depend on what you could handle.

It is up to the indivdual, For myself it is 55# which is right at 53# at my draw.

I have been going up in weight as I get stronger.
Presently shoot 65lbs and next bow will be 70.
I use Rick Welch's formula to determine draw weight.
Rick says, you should be able to hold your draw weight at full draw for 3 to 4 seconds each shot or you're overbowed.
It's a formula I have used since I bought Rick's Volume 2 Instructional Video and learned of it.
Might not work for all but works just fine for me.



Sag.