Bowhunting is a sport with ever-growing popularity. Many people love the thrill of the chase. Plus, hunters get to celebrate their victory with food and hunting trophies.
But bowhunting is a hobby that requires tons of skill, dedication, and experience – Additionally another important factor in bowhunting is having the right bow and equipment.
This raises the question of whether a 50lb bow is suitable for bowhunting. What about other draw weights? Continue reading to find out the answers.
Can You Hunt With A 50lb Bow?
100% yes – it is possible to hunt with a bow that has a draw weight of 50lb. This will be the case no matter what type of bow you are using, whether that be compound or recurve. A 50lb bow will have sufficient power for you to take an animal. An arrow launched from this bow will be able to travel at high speeds and penetrate deep into your target.
Can You Hunt With A 40lb Bow?
Yes, you can hunt with a bow with this draw weight. However, you should stick to medium and small game animals. Also, make sure to check your local hunting regulations. Many states have laws in place that dictate the minimum draw weight needed for hunting certain animals.
Many bowhunters take whitetail deer with their 40lbs bows. It´s not only about the draw weight but shot placement and practice too. You need to be a more experienced and skillful hunter to take game with lower draw weight bows.
Can You Hunt With A 30lb Bow?
As mentioned above, check your local hunting regulations. In most cases, there is a paragraph that reads something like “No person shall take big game animals with a bow that has a draw weight of less than XXX lbs.” The minimum draw weight will vary from state to state, so make sure to do your research.
In general, though, you should be able to hunt small game animals with a 30lb bow. You will need a better understanding of an animal´s anatomy to make a clean and ethical kill. You will also need to be a more experienced hunter.
For example, in Pennsylvania, the minimum draw weight is 35lb. In that case, you would not be able to hunt deer with a 30lb bow.
Can You Hunt With A 20lb Bow?
Small game might be ok to hunt with lower draw weight. In general, most people would say that you cannot hunt deer with a 20lb bow. The draw weight is just too low to ensure a clean and ethical kill.
I would recommend that you should not use a 20lb bow for hunting. In fact, this bow will be unsuitable for most adults in the majority of hunting situations. Generally speaking draw weights of 40lbs and more are better for hunting.
What Is Draw Weight?
The draw weight is an essential concept in archery. It is needed to find the right bow for you. Essentially, draw weight refers to the force needed to fully draw a bow.
When you buy a bow, you will need to select the draw weight. It is usually measured in pounds. Modern compound bows are adjustable – meaning that you can change the draw weight. This is not the case with traditional bows, such as traditional recurve bows.
Takedown recurve bows on the other hand will allow you to change the draw weight by changing the limbs.
How To Choose The Right Draw Weight?
One way of determining the correct draw weight is to see what feels most comfortable. You can experiment with drawing different bows to find the ideal weight.
If you wish to participate in hunting, then you will need to try a draw weight of at least 40lb.
Why Does Draw Weight Matter?
The draw weight is essential because it will influence the speed and force an arrow has when hitting prey.
“Selecting the right draw weight is very important when choosing a bow. The proper bow weight based on a bowhunter’s experience and physical ability will help them maximize the control of the draw cycle of that bow and more effectively execute consistent and accurate shots.”
Randy Walk, President of Hoyt Archery
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Maximum Draw Weight?
Most bows have a maximum draw weight of 60 or 70lb. Very few people will be able to comfortably draw a bow that is more than 70lb. Some custom bows have higher draw weights, but they are rare.
What Bow Is Best For Hunting?
Now that you know all about the best drawing weight for hunting, you should consider what type of bow you are going to use.
Arguably the compound bow is very popular for hunting. On the other hand, many people opt for recurve bows or crossbows.
All three bow varieties offer adequate power, speed, and accuracy for hunting.
Conclusion
The answer to the question of what draw weight is best for hunting depends on a variety of factors. You need to take into account your experience as a hunter, the type of bow you will be using, and the game you are targeting. In most cases, it is recommended that you use a bow with a draw weight of at least 40lb.
