yes my wife hunted with 40# and killed several deer she now shoots 45#, it all depends on the broad head and shot placement.. shoot a good 3 or 4 blade fixed head..
Looks like Martinhunter has it all covered here. At 55# with a good cut on contact head like the Muzzy Phantom, Steel Force or Magnus you will be fine out to 30 and maybe 40 but preferably 20. Good luck and post a picture if you get one this year. P.S. Stay away from the shoulder. You want that front leg to be forward when you shoot if possible.
55# is more than enough,my son got a pass through at 38# @24" draw using magnus stinger 4 blades. Take a serious look at the helix single bevel broadheads as well,they are the best penetrating head I have seen. Especially if you plan on hunting anything larger than deer.
Thanks guys I plan to shoot 20-30 yards and I will post a pic since this year will be my first to bow hunt ever I am so excited I have plans for a sight and a whisker holder
ok... three questions posted... first... 55 is more then enough for deer... its shot placement that counts... second... distance... for hunting dont shoot farther then your comfortable with hitting the right spot... practice... as far as you can and still consistently hit the target (if your practicing at 50 yards and hitting the target well, then those 20 and 30 yard hunting shots will be a piece of cake) third... arrows... I suggest a small diameter carbon arrow... smaller diameter means less resistance thru the deer and better pass thru... after all that... practice, practice practice...
Practice as much as you possibly can. Practice from multiple and random distances and angles. Practice in the wind, cold, and heat. Anything that makes it so you can hit the target in less than ideal conditions is helpful. If you will be hunting from a tree stand then practice from a tree stand. If from a ground blind, practice shooting from a chair or your knees. Most of all, enjoy the practice and enjoy the hunt.
I shoot 55" and 30" draw. Blow thru a deer like he's not even there. You don't need a lot to kill a deer. Like others said shot placement and broadhead are the money makers here. I shoot Slick Tricks and love them. Stay away from big expandables and don't get too light with the arrow and your good. Practice practice. And don't be afraid to step out to longer ranges 50+ yards. Those make the 30 yard and in ones feel like your aiming at a bus.